Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has an announcement for Leafs fans regarding Wayne Simmonds
The Toronto Maple Leafs have gone 12-1-4 over their last 17 games and are playing like a top team in the NHL (as well they should). When things are going well and the team is on a roll, typically you don't see too many changes to the lineup. However, when a team has the kind of depth the Leafs have, it can be good to give players some opportunities in the lineup just to keep everyone sharp. It seems the Leafs agree with that sentiment, as they announced on Thursday that Wayne Simmonds will return to the lineup against the Flames on Saturday night.
Simmonds has played in just six games for the Buds this year, registering one assist. While he doesn't have a ton to offer in terms of production at this stage of his career, he still has plenty of leadership and presence on the ice and can throw the body - and fists - if need be. Seeing as how the Flames are a bigger team that tend to play a physical game, Sheldon Keefe's decision certainly makes sense.
The Scarborough, ON native is clinging onto hope that it's not too late to swoop in and secure a roster spot with the Leafs, but he'll need to make the most of his very limited opportunities to show the team's coaching staff that he can still be an effective player.
The possibility also still exists that the Leafs will end up finding a dance partner elsewhere in the league who may wish to acquire Simmonds for their playoff push. For the Leafs, they appear to have made it very clear through their actions that Simmonds is likely the 14th or even 15th forward on their internal depth chart.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 8 | 495 ANSWERS Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe has an announcement for Leafs fans regarding Wayne Simmonds Will Wayne Simmonds score against the Calgary Flames on Saturday? | ||
| Yes | 137 | 27.7 % |
| No | 358 | 72.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
