Player Discussion: Wayne Simmonds

[kb]

That injury last year completely crushed his season. He wasn’t the same player

let’s hope things are different this season

I can’t see the leafs losing with Tavares, Simmons (pre injury) and Hyman all healthy

 

[The Shadow]

sorry I meant Foligno.

 

[Gary Nylund]

sorry I meant Foligno.

Hyman was playing hurt though wasn't he?

 

[kb]

sorry I meant Foligno.

Ah, got it. lol No worries!

 

[Fogelhund]

That injury last year completely crushed his season. He wasn’t the same player

let’s hope things are different this season

I can’t see the leafs losing with Tavares, Simmons (pre injury) and Hyman all healthy

You can also add in Matthews not being fully healthy during the playoffs either.

 

[1specter]

He's playing like the perfect fourth liner who can move up when need be. Very happy with his game this year. When him and Spezza are out there I have zero concerns, aside from when it's at the end of a long shift and they've iced it or something like that, but that rarely happens anyways.

Thus far the Leafs have been getting great value from their bottom six.

 

[Gary Nylund]

He's playing like the perfect fourth liner who can move up when need be. Very happy with his game this year. When him and Spezza are out there I have zero concerns, aside from when it's at the end of a long shift and they've iced it or something like that, but that rarely happens anyways.

Thus far the Leafs have been getting great value from their bottom six.

The entire team has been playing great IMO. I mean I guess you could bitch about Holl or whatever but overall, you really have to try hard to find things to complain about.

 

[fahad203]

I am eating my words and I am ok with it
I have been his biggest critic and so far he has proven me wrong

Perfect 4th liner who's not a liability and can drop the gloves and can chip in

 

[Kiwi]

I wasn't a fan of the signing at the time but sometimes you just have to admit you were wrong

He's most certainly proven me wrong, he looks dangerous everytime he's on the puck and he can move up when we get injuries

What's not to like?

 

[hockeywiz542]

Wayne Simmonds returns to the Leafs with new-dad energy | The Star

Wayne Simmonds returned to the Maple Leafs on Saturday, filled with some new-dad energy as the only player to take in the morning skate. But he had a little trouble figuring out what day it was.

Simmonds became a dad for the second time on Wednesday, though he initially thought it might have been Tuesday. Newborn Kapri has an older sister, Kori.

“It was pretty crazy,” the 33-year-old forward said before the Leafs faced the Canucks. “I went to sleep, got woken up at five in the morning by my wife and she said it was go time. So we got to the hospital around 7:30. And then after that it was me supporting mom, and waiting for our angel to come."

“I don’t even know what day it is today — Saturday?” said Simmonds. “I got in late last night ... I feel pretty good. I’m kind of riding high right now.”

Simmonds missed Thursday’s 5-2 loss in Calgary.

“It sucks watching; I hate watching,” said Simmonds. “I like Calgary. I love going to Calgary. Actually two of my brothers live in Calgary, so I always go there and I always get a home-cooked meal. So I generally play good games there. Sitting in your bed watching the game, it’s a little bit unsettling.”

 

[BertCorbeau]

Simmonds really hasn't had the same impact as he did pre injury last year

 

[fahad203]

Simmonds really hasn't had the same impact as he did pre injury last year

Or maybe he was like Campbell earlier this year. Just on a hot streak
This is who he is. A washed up vet

 

[Lemontree]

He is a passenger who provides nothing. Spot should be held by a younger, hungry player who is looking to make an impact and earn a living in the NHL. You would figure guys like Joey Anderson were acquired and signed to an extension immediately to fill these roles for minimum when you are a cap strap team but Dubas is smarter than anyone else who has ever played/watched/followed hockey.

 

[ShaneFalco]

Simmonds really hasn't had the same impact as he did pre injury last year

He has his spurts but shouldn't play every game

 

[SeaOfBlue]

Simmonds really hasn't had the same impact as he did pre injury last year

It comes in inconsistent spurts.

He is not deplorable, like Clifford, but given the easy minutes he has, I find it hard that we don't have a few guys on the Marlies who can do more than he can with the minutes he is getting.

Physicality is really the only thing keeping him in the lineup right now. No special teams or faceoff value like Spezza is at least providing.

It's not really a concern though. His contract is buriable. He should still be good enough to be solid depth for the Leafs next year, or maybe he gets claimed/traded. He is definitely going to have to fight for his job next year though, and Joey Anderson will likely be his main competition.

 

[sittler rules!!!]

Wow, reading some of these posts, this is a tough crowd. Think his team mates appreciate having him in the lineup. He is still one of the tougher guys in the league.

 

[Lemontree]

Nick Ritchie has been credited with 10 more hits in 10 less games than Simmonds. A large group of posters on here complain that Ritchie isn’t physical enough to earn a spot….so why is Simmonds?

 

[WTFMAN99]

A fight every 10-15 games isn't enough to justify the line up spot, at least not one every night.

We're loyal to a fault.

 

[Morbo]

for me punching the occasional guy isn't enough to keep a regular lineup spot, either. I realize a lot of others disagree.

 

[justloveleafs]

He should play only home games.. A friend of mines father was allowed to do that for Leafs, way back in time. He was a student at the U of T..

 

[Darcy Tucker]

Nick Ritchie has been credited with 10 more hits in 10 less games than Simmonds. A large group of posters on here complain that Ritchie isn’t physical enough to earn a spot….so why is Simmonds?

He actually has an offensive tool set. Not as slow as Ritchie and he has a good head on his shoulders. I do not get all the hate for him.

Gud Pro basically.

 

[Menzinger]

Not to reiterate this again, but it's pretty clear that the coaching staff/front office value his leadership/intangibles when making lineup decisions. Which they likely value more than other players who may deliver more hits per game or even more points given it's a 8-10min a night roster spot

 

[Stephen]

Not to reiterate this again, but it's pretty clear that the coaching staff/front office value his leadership/intangibles when making lineup decisions. Which they likely value more than other players who may deliver more hits per game or even more points given it's a 8-10min a night roster spot

Simmonds is a guy they should find a way to keep as fresh as possible. Last year he had some games where he had real pop but he would wear down, get hurt and then come back.

 

[jaric1862]

Gonna bump this.

He obviously plays a big role in the dressing room, and is the team's enforcer, but is he still good enough to even pay on a fourth line?

 

[Racer88]

He should be retired, he has nothing left to give