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Vancouver Canucks a potential landing spot for Wayne Simmonds |
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Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
While Wayne Simmonds has mentioned he’d like to finish the season with the New Jersey Devils (the rental move didn't work so well last time), there is a realistic possibility he is traded prior to the deadline.
The Devils are very clearly going nowhere this year and Simmonds has no term on his contract. He’s unlikely to be with the team next season, let alone a part of the long-term future.
As such, it makes sense to move Simmonds – who has no trade protection – to a playoff contender for *any* pieces that can be used moving forward.
I doubt teams will be lining up for Simmonds’ services at this point in his career but he’s still a well-respected player who should draw some level of interest. He may already be, in fact.
The Vancouver Canucks targeted Simmonds during the summer, according to Pierre LeBrun, and that interest may be rekindled if they have any doubts about Micheal Ferland’s health.
I’m told Ferland is coming along but it is a situation worth monitoring.
Simmonds is certainly not going to drive play and I think his offensive game is pretty cooked – of 191 forwards with 600+ 5v5 minutes, only three have scored fewer goals than Simmonds (2) – but he can still chip in on occasion during extra man scenarios. He has the mix of grit/leadership/experience teams
always covet around this time of year.
Be it the Canucks or somebody else, I think there will be a team willing to bite. He may not be anybody’s first or second option, but he could be a cheap fallback if necessary.
numbers via NaturalStatTrick.com
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