Wayne Simmonds' post-game comments show his true character; the Leafs should not be so eager to move him
Wayne Simmonds isn't the same player he was before joining the Maple Leafs. His role has changed from power forward and powerplay goal scorer to 4th line enforcer over the years. That's a difficult transition for any hockey player, but Simmonds has taken it in stride.
This year, when it became clear he wasn't going to make the Leafs' opening night roster based on his performance at training camp, many thought it may be the end of the Scarborough native's career with his hometown team. Simmer stayed patient and when given the opportunity against the Winnipeg Jets, he made the most of it. Not only did Simmonds set up the winning goal - he also helped keep the Jets from taking liberties on the Leafs' star players.
That's the thing about the preseason. It doesn't give a player like Simmonds much of a chance to prove his true value to the team. He's a player who works better when the games matter. It may only have been the 6th game of the regular season, but tonight's game was an important one given the history between these two teams.
If his on ice play wasn't enough, his post-game comments certainly showed what a great guy Simmonds is to have around a locker room. The Leafs' room is built around camaraderie. Simmonds is one of those glue guys on the bench and in the back. Some of the intangibles he brings - you can't measure that stuff during training camp. Sometimes you need a real game setting for guys like that to prove their worth.
| POLL | ||
23 OCTOBRE | 542 ANSWERS Wayne Simmonds' post-game comments show his true character; the Leafs should not be so eager to move him Has your opinion of Wayne Simmonds changed after last night's performance? | ||
| Yes | 109 | 20.1 % |
| No | 59 | 10.9 % |
| I always thought Simmer should stay | 374 | 69 % |
| List of polls | ||
