Maple Leafs recall veteran winger ahead of playoff run

Now that the regular season has come to an end, there are no more salary-cap restrictions in the NHL. Accordingly, the Maple Leafs announced that they have once again recalled winger Wayne Simmonds from AHL Toronto.

The 34-year-old was sent down a total of seven times this season, but he never played for the Marlies. He has never suited up for a game in the minors in his career. The reason behind those frequent demotions was largely salary-cap-related, but with that no longer in play and roster restrictions being lifted after the trade deadline, Simmonds should be up for the duration of Toronto’s playoff run.

It has been a tough season for Simmonds, who was limited to just 18 games with the Maple Leafs in between the demotions, a career low. His playing time also dipped to the lowest of his career, as he logged just 7:27, dropping for the sixth straight season.

At this point, it’s difficult to see the Leafs putting Simmonds into their lineup when their series against Tampa Bay begins next week. With AHL Toronto potentially primed for a long playoff run of its own after winning the North Division, the Maple Leafs won’t have many spare forwards on their roster when the series starts. Accordingly, if there are some injuries, Simmonds could have a chance to see some action as the first round progresses.