Wayne Simmonds
Wayne Simmonds managed to record five goals and 11 assists for 16 points in 72 games while averaging 9:20 of ice time.
As a fourth line winger getting limited ice-time, Simmonds did his best to provide the Leafs with a physical edge, but there is only so much he can do with under 10 minutes per night.
He has seen his offensive role diminish over the years but has been a steady physical presence for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 16 points he produced last season are not bad for a fourth-line player. Simmonds registered 148 hits during the regular season and six hits during two playoff games. Toronto can’t ask for much more from a veteran making just $900,000 a season.
Simmonds has slowed down, and his Corsi for percentage dipped below 50% for the first time since the 2009-10 season. The Toronto Maple Leafs used Simmonds in 72 games last season because they lacked an enforcer-type player to step up for his teammates and fight, so for what he was asked to do, he did it well.
The Leafs are likely to move on, as they have many players trying to take his job, but Simmonds is a warrior and could maintain his roster position through sheer force of will.