Simmonds was placed on waivers prior to the start of the regular season and the Leafs have already let it be known to the rest of the league that they would like to do right by the player and trade him somewhere he would actually play. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to the AHL Marlies, but was seen yesterday skating with the injured Leafs. He's also not listed on the Marlies' opening night roster.
As of now, Simmonds just doesn't appear to be in the plans for the Leafs. After taking a few bad penalties in a playoff game last season against Tampa that ultimately cost him a spot in the lineup for the remainder of the series, the team decided to go in a different direction on the fourth line for this season. Hence the signings of Nicolas Aube-Kubel and Zach Aston-Reese.
Johnston goes on to say that something would have to change for the Leafs to bring Simmonds back into their plans, and that he is currently in some sort of limbo. It is unclear when or where we will see the 34-year-old in his next NHL game. So for now, like Simmonds, we will have to just sit back and wait.
POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 14 | 263 ANSWERS Simmonds reveals what his preference is for the 2022-23 season Where will Simmonds play his next NHL game? | ||
Toronto | 82 | 31.2 % |
Anywhere else | 91 | 34.6 % |
He is done in the league | 90 | 34.2 % |
List of polls |