Wayne Simmonds has signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs to open the 2020 NHL free agency period on Friday. According to FAN590’s Anthony Stewart, the deal is for one season and worth $1.5 million.
Stewart says there is a full no-move clause worked in and that Simmonds left money on the table to sign in Toronto. He said of his game, that he brings “functional toughness.” Believes he can still play, but will “punch your head off,” if needed.
Related: Wayne Simmonds Says He’s Looking at Leafs in Free Agency
Wayne Simmonds said he was interested in playing where he was living and thought there might be a good fit with Toronto. So, it wasn’t a surprise when the forward signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the gate on Friday.
As per a tweet from TSN’s Pierre LeBrun as the free agent market was about to open, “Hearing that Wayne Simmonds has narrowed his list to two teams and I believe those two teams are Toronto and Montreal.” He added, “Remember Buffalo gave his camp the right to speak to teams this week ahead of the market opening.”
Because Simmonds was allowed to talk to teams, he was able to work out a deal that saw him become one of the first players off the free agent board on Friday.
Simmonds Will Add Depth
Some will question what Simmonds will still be able to bring, but he’s signed for considerably less than he was making last season as he split time between the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. At the right price, he became an attractive piece for the Maple Leafs who were looking to spend very little but add pieces that could potentially outperform their contracts.
Simmonds can add depth, grit and potentially help on the power play. At $1.5 million, he’s a good deal.
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