The Toronto Maple Leafs focus for this offseason will likely be on upgrading their blueline and possibly a change in goal if the rumors are true about them trading Frederik Andersen, but if GM Kyle Dubas intends to move out more forwards making significant salary to allocate more funds to bolster his defense, then Toronto may be looking for low-cost forward reinforcements.
The salary cap staying flat at $81.5 Million and a number of clubs with limited cap space may create situations in free agency where veteran free agents may be willing to take a low-cost short-term deal.
The Leafs should be looking for players that can provide a physical presence and leadership, especially with the likelihood that they will not bring back Kyle Clifford. According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, one potential option could be winger Wayne Simmonds.
The 32-year-old Scarborough, ON native spent eight productive seasons in Philadelphia after beginning his career with the Los Angeles Kings, but has been dogged by injuries the last two seasons and has been traded twice (to Nashville and Buffalo) and signed a one-year deal by the New Jersey Devils.
The veteran right-winger is now looking to play for a contender and an opportunity to prove his worth and with the Leafs looking for experience, character, and leadership, it might be a good fit.
“I moved up to Aurora (north of Toronto) probably three summers ago, my wife and I and our daughter, I’ve been walking around the neighborhood way more frequently than I usually do because I’ve been here a lot longer than normal and all I keep hearing is, `When are you going to sign with the Leafs?’ Simmonds said. “So of course it’s crossed my mind. I know they’re in a bit of a salary cap situation and things of that nature, but you know I’m open to everything, Toronto’s got a great core of players and I think that’s definitely a team where I could go in and make an impact right away. It’s up to the teams. Whoever wants to choose me, I’ll be waiting. I’ll definitely be ready to go.’’
Toronto has slightly under $8 Million in cap space entering the off-season after dealing Kasperi Kapanen to Pittsburgh. With the likely departure of Clifford, the Leafs have an absence of grit up front, but will be limited in what they can spend to fill that need. The acquisition of Evan Rodrigues from the Penguins might help in that area, but only if the restricted free agent accepts a contract significantly less than the $2 Million he made last season.
Simmonds made $5 Million last season with the Devils and Sabres, and might be able to find a better contract with a rebuilding team, but if the Leafs have interest, it would only be if there was a willingness by Simmonds to sign in the neighborhood of the veteran minimum, as Tyler Ennis did two years ago and Jason Spezza did last summer.
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