Leafs make one exciting roster change ahead of Saturday's tilt in Winnipeg
After being placed on waivers to start the season, then being recalled due to extra cap space from Matt Murray's injury, Wayne Simmonds appears set to make his season debut Friday. Simmonds skated on a line with David Kampf and Pierre Engvall today at practice meaning Nicholas Aube-Kubel is the odd man out.
Adding Simmonds to the lineup for the game against the Jets is more important than some might think. If you don't remember, the Jets tried to run all over the Leafs in their first meeting last season that saw both teams spend much of the game with players in the box. It also led to the infamous dressing room quote from Mark Scheifele "there's nothing better than beating the Leafs."
Simmonds challenged Logan Stanley to fights multiple times only to have the youngster run away and then jump in after Simmonds was engaged with another Jets player. Saturday night's game in Winnipeg is sure to be a highly contested, physical game and Simmonds' presence will be much needed.
We saw first hand last night against the Stars what not having a player like Simmonds in the lineup could invite. Jamie Benn and Jani Hakanpaa both took liberties on Auston Matthews in the contest, with Benn delivering a stiff cross check to Matthews' back/ribs that had him labouring on the bench. Hakanpaa nailed Matthews in the head with the butt end of his stick, sending #34's helmet flying off. It's highly unlikely that either of these things occur with Simmonds in the lineup ready to hold guys accountable for their actions.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 21 | 643 ANSWERS Leafs make one exciting roster change ahead of Saturday's tilt in Winnipeg What do you think the Leafs should do with Wayne Simmonds? | ||
| Trade him | 106 | 16.5 % |
| Keep him in the lineup | 276 | 42.9 % |
| Keep him, but only dress him for certain games | 261 | 40.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
