Simmonds was, however, back on the ice on Thursday at Scotiabank Arena, skating with trainers and injured teammates, doing some skills work to try to stay sharp until a deal is worked out.
You have to feel for Simmonds in all of this. His game may have fallen off significantly from where it once was, but he is still just 34 years old and feels as though he has plenty of hockey left in him. It's just unfortunate that the salary cap has made it impossible for the Scarborough native to play out the final year of his deal at home.
There's still time for Simmonds to pivot and either accept a role with the Marlies or to announce his retirement, but it's likely that we'll see him moved at some point this week or next - especially with Jordie Benn returning to the ice on Thursday as well. Benn is currently on LTIR, along with Timothy Liljegren. The Leafs will have to move out some money before either player can be activated.
POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 13 | 443 ANSWERS Update on Simmonds, who has still not reported to the Marlies, likely on the advice of Kyle Dubas as he works out a trade Where will Wayne Simmonds end up? | ||
Edmonton, because that's where ever Leaf goes | 100 | 22.6 % |
Back to Los Angeles, where it all started | 35 | 7.9 % |
Back to Philly, where he played his best puck | 193 | 43.6 % |
Other | 115 | 26 % |
List of polls |