Report: Maple Leafs shopping Simmonds
The Toronto Maple Leafs have let teams know that Wayne Simmonds is available via trade, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Toronto is more concerned about "doing right" by the veteran winger rather than maximizing a potential return, Friedman adds.
Simmonds, 34, was placed on waivers Sunday, according to NorthStar Bets' Chris Johnston. Adam Gaudette, Kyle Clifford, and Victor Mete are on the wire as well.
Rosters are set to be finalized Monday as the North American start to the 2022-23 campaign kicks off Tuesday. The Maple Leafs begin their season Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens.
Toronto signed Simmonds to a one-year contract prior to the 2020-21 season and gave him a two-year, $1.8-million extension the following summer. He spoke earlier this month about his uncertain role with the team.
"Kinda on the bubble here," Simmonds said, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox. "I know that I'm battling for my job here. So, you just gotta put that to the back of your mind and come out and do everything the right way."
Simmonds was one of the league's premier power forwards in his prime, eclipsing the 25-goal mark five times as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers. The Scarborough, Ontario, native has also suited up for the Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, and Buffalo Sabres during his 14-year career.
With the Leafs, Simmonds has recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in 110 appearances.