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How the Maple Leafs Might Improve Its Bottom Six

There are rumors that the Maple Leafs might be making some bottom-six changes to their roster. Is Clifford out and Simmonds in?

In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs News & Rumors, I’ll share some potential movement to and from the Maple Leafs roster. Specifically, I’ll focus on some potential movement inside the bottom six of the team.

Item One: It Looks like Kyle Clifford Will Be Moving On

An action by Kyle Clifford has fueled speculation that the Maple Leafs have informed Clifford that the team won’t extend him on a new contract. Specifically, Clifford has hinted that his time as a Maple Leafs player is over when he deleted the Maple Leafs association from his social media accounts.

I can’t believe this decision means that the Maple Leafs didn’t appreciate Clifford and what he brought to the team; rather, it probably means that the team simply was unwilling to surrender the second-round draft pick that would be part of Clifford’s re-signing.

Related: Why Andersen’s Trade Means Matthews Will Be a Coyote in Four Years?

Dumping Social Media Association

About dumping his social media association, long-time Ottawa Senators defenseman Mark Borowiecki removed the Senators’ identification from his social media accounts. He’s now simply an “NHL player.” The same is true of Max Domi with the Montreal Canadiens. Usually, this action happens to indicate something is going on behind the scenes.

That Clifford’s removed the Maple Leafs from his social media bio suggests he’s either been told the Maple Leafs won’t re-sign him or he’s decided to test free agency this offseason as a UFA. Perhaps he feels he can increase his $1.6 million contract by signing with another team.

Clifford Brings What the Maple Leafs Need

I’m thinking it’s more likely a Maple Leafs’ decision. Clifford seemed excited to join the team because his home in Ayr, Ontario, is only about 100 km down the highway from Toronto. Still, the Maple Leafs could use players like Clifford who bring valuable skills and would be willing to play on league minimum contracts.

Clifford brings a physical presence to his game that many Maple Leafs fans believe is critically needed on this Toronto team. He’s experienced, tough, and willing to mix it up if needed. More than that, when he’s on the ice he gives his teammates more time and space to move freely. He’s never produced on the score sheet, but after a decade of NHL experience he can help.

As a result of these intangibles, some Maple Leafs’ fans are less than happy with the possibility he’ll leave the team.

Kyle Clifford Toronto Maple Leafs
Kyle Clifford Toronto Maple Leafs

Item Two: If Kyle Clifford Is Out, Is Wayne Simmonds In?

Yesterday, rugged forward Wayne Simmonds spoke with Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic about what he’s thinking for his future as he approaches becoming a UFA this offseason. Certainly, Simmonds is aware there’s a “new NHL economy” cast by the shadow of COVID-19’s flat salary cap. (from “What does the future hold for Wayne Simmonds in new NHL economy?, Pierre LeBrun, The Athletic, 08/09/20).

Simmonds was once considered the very definition of an NHL power forward (much like Milan Lucic was when he skated for the Boston Bruins). He could score, skate, was a strong special-teams’ player, and didn’t shy away from physical confrontation.

Simmonds Has Moved Around Recently

For the past few seasons, he’s moved around the NHL from team to team. His travels include stops with the Buffalo Sabres, the New Jersey Devils, the Nashville Predators, and the Philadelphia Flyers. After playing several strong seasons with the Flyers, he’s struggled almost everywhere since leaving Philadelphia. His last contract with the Sabres was $2.5 million ($2.5 retained by the Devils) and he’s looking for a good fit, which includes a place to show he still can be of value in the NHL.

Even at 32 years of age, Simmonds believes he has something left. He told LeBrun: “All I have in my mind is that I’m ready for this upcoming season whenever it does happen. I’m looking to make a huge impact wherever I go. Obviously I know I didn’t have the best of years last season. I’m looking to prove a lot of people wrong and show that I can still play at the level that people are accustomed to seeing me play at.’’

The Maple Leafs, as they always are, don’t have a lot of money to spend on free agents and might need to toss what money they have at their problems on defense. Still, if Clifford is gone – as speculated – might Simmonds be inclined to talk with Dubas about a “prove-yourself” contract?

the sportster

Why Simmonds Might Be Interested in the Maple Leafs

Simmonds is a Toronto-area native and explained to LeBrun that he just moved back near Toronto and has spent lots of time getting used to city’s surroundings once again. He notes that many fans he meets ask if he’s going to sign with the Maple Leafs and the idea has grown on him.

He announced: “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.’’

That suggests to me that, if Dubas so desires, he might be able to sign the winger to a team-friendly, Spezza-like deal for next season. If so, it might be a win-win for both Simmonds and the Maple Leafs. Specifically, Simmonds gets a chance to show what he can still do and has some strong teammates who could help him elevate his game and scoring. (Speaking of Spezza, why not them together on the fourth line, for example?) As well, Toronto gets some grit and experience on its bottom six.

Related: The Kapanen Trade: What and Who the Maple Leafs Really Got In Return

What’s Next with the Maple Leafs?

The Frederik Andersen trade remains the talk of the town. By comparison, the Clifford-Simmonds potential movement pales in comparison. Still, it’s always interesting to see how Dubas thinks through these little dilemmas.

From my perspective, you can’t have too much character on your team. Clifford seemed like a character person, as does Simmonds. Having one of them on the team simply seems like good value-added. From my perspective, given both their histories, Simmonds would seem the better bet. But, we’ll see.

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