The Toronto Maple Leafs announced a couple of roster moves this evening, according to David Alter of SI.com. The team has called up veteran winger Wayne Simmonds, a day after sending him down to the Toronto Marlies of the AHL. The team has also sent down goaltender Joseph Woll following his recall just three days ago.
Simmonds is a 34-year-old forward who has technically split this season between the Maple Leafs and Marlies, though he has never suited up for the Marlies this season. He has often been the odd forward out of the lineup and even sent down to make roster room throughout the season, or salary cap space when Ryan O’Reilly was activated yesterday. However, though he has spent time on the AHL roster, he has not actually played in the minors this season. Simmonds has played 17 games with the Maple Leafs, scoring two points while adding a veteran, gritty presence to the lineup.
Woll being sent down is more interesting. He was called up earlier this week when Matt Murray was injured and though Murray’s status was not updated, it was feared he would be out of the lineup long term. If Murray is out long term, the team would need a second goaltender on the roster, which is where Woll stepped in. However, with Woll being returned to the Marlies, it could pave the way for Murray’s return to the lineup. Woll has now played five games with the Maple Leafs this season, winning four of them and posting a 2.02 GAA and a .932 SV% in those contests.
Simmonds hasn’t fought much, if at all, this season yet he has the 3rd most penalty minutes on the team while only playing 17 games! The two players with more than him have played 76 and 78 games! He gets many foolish penalties in the wrong end of the ice including 2 within minutes of each other in the playoffs last season. Unless the Leafs are expecting trouble, they should keep him out.
@gfinale – ‘Simmers’ does have a whopping two fighting majors this year, but I’m guessing that when he was first brought on board, he told them his bag of truculence was going to be part of the deal. Mission accomplished for that, at least. You are spot on with the ridiculous rodeo hockey penalties that happen with age. Bunting already fills the role of getting jammed up with one-sided crap calls now, so they don’t need any more of that, unless they want to be the first to win the “Waste of 8 days” contest this season.