Keefe acknowledges Simmonds' contributions to the team and the NHL, says he deserves a chance to continue his career
When Wayne Simmonds had originally signed with the Leafs as a free agent back in 2020, there was a certain excitement in the air in Leafs Nation, as here was a guy who was not only a power play specialist, but also a worldbeater on the ice, in terms of standing up for his teammates and patrolling from end to end, laying big hits and keeping guys honest. He was a type of player that the Leafs had lacked for some time and not only that, he was also a hometown kid, from nearby Scarborough, ON.
Fast forward just a couple of years and now the Leafs just don't seem to have a spot in the lineup for the 34-year-old "ice guardian". Simmonds' legs have slowed considerably, his shot is not what it once was and he doesn't have the tools to be able to excel in other areas such as on the penalty kill or the power play.
Despite being placed on waivers last week, clearing and being assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies, Simmonds has not reported to the Marlies and was not listed on their 2022-23 opening night roster. This is obviously because the plan was never to send him to the Marlies. Simmonds still feels as though he has something to offer to an NHL team and he wants it to be the Leafs, but understands why that might not happen, given the fact that the team has the deepest roster it has had in decades - possibly ever.
On Saturday afternoon, Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe touched on Simmonds continuing his on-ice work with the Leafs' injured players over having him report to the Marlies while GM Kyle Dubas works to facilitate a trade to a contending team.
"The organization has been good about giving him time to sort out his situation. Certainly he deserves that."
Simmonds is a 1,019-game NHL veteran and has spent time with the LA Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres before arriving in Toronto to play two seasons with the Leafs. He has scored 263 career NHL goals, 524 points and 1,264 career penalty minutes spanning over a 14-year NHL career. Not only that, but he's still one of the toughest customers on the ice on any given day.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 15 | 304 ANSWERS Keefe acknowledges Simmonds' contributions to the team and the NHL, says he deserves a chance to continue his career What would you like to see happen for Simmonds? | ||
| Another opportunity in Toronto | 114 | 37.5 % |
| An opportunity with another team | 83 | 27.3 % |
| Accept a leadership role with the Marlies | 47 | 15.5 % |
| Retire while he's still respected | 60 | 19.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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