Wayne Simmonds
It’s not breaking news to say that Wayne Simmonds had a down season last year. He split his time between the Philadelphia Flyers and Nashville Predators. Simmonds had just 30 points over the whole season, including just three points after a deadline deal to send him to his new team. Look closer at his numbers, though, and we can see why Ray Shero gave this guy a one-year chance.
Simmonds still scored 17 goals despite playing so terribly in Nashville. Only Palmieri, Travis Zajac and Blake Coleman scored more on the Devils last season. Obviously, we wouldn’t be too happy if he ended the season with 30 points, and he’d likely get stuck with a PTO next season on another team, but we expect more.
If he can come into the preseason and play like he did just two seasons ago. He’s two years removed from a 30 goal, 54-point season. Those are the types of numbers the Devils expect from him. He was atrocious at 5v5 last season, so if he can show he can play well there he could steal a second line job next to Gusev and Hughes.
Some actually have Simmonds in on that second line to protect the smaller linemates that will both be working to get used to the NHL speed and size. However, that’s not going to be the only reason Hynes puts Simmonds there. Remember, to put Simmonds on the second line, he has to drop Jesper Bratt or Kyle Palmieri. We’re not saying it won’t happen, but he has to play pretty well in the preseason to make it happen.