One potential fit for Wayne Simmonds if the Leafs elect to move him
Lately, one of the most talked about topics surrounding the Leafs has been what will happen with Wayne Simmonds. The right winger has had quite the shake-up over the past week with being placed on waivers, assigned to the Marlies and continuing to skate with the Leafs. Today, he even joined the Leafs for practice as a call-up ahead of the game against the Arizona Coyotes this evening.
Matt Murray will be out for the next month with an injury, allowing the Leafs and Simmonds time to find common ground regarding his future, whether with the team or not. There is a chance that as the season progresses, Simmonds may no longer wear the Maple Leaf on his chest and have had fans thinking of possible scenarios.
Simmonds has played for the Philadelphia Flyers throughout his NHL career and had a brief stint with the New Jersey Devils before signing in Toronto, so the area of New York City wouldn't be an adjustment for him. But, as stated above, it's also not far from home.
Before becoming a Leaf, Simmonds was traded to the Buffalo Sabres and expressed interest in being part of their team, but played only seven games with them before the season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, once he hit the market as a free agent, he signed in Toronto and has done nothing but express how much he loves playing here.
It's known that the buds love Simmond's presence on and off the ice with the constant positive comments said by teammates. Last season, he was even the Leafs' nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. Of course, it's difficult to predict what will come from the Simmonds situation, but it can be assumed there will be mixed emotions regardless of how it plays out.
