The New Jersey Devils have agreed to trade Wayne Simmonds to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for 2021 fifth-round draft pick. Devils will retain half Simmonds salary.

5th in 2021 https://t.co/tXrcpnWpzL — Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 24, 2020

Devils Trade Wayne Simmonds to Buffalo

Wayne Simmonds

He was originally drafted by the Kings in the second round of the 2007 NHL Draft. Over his 12-year NHL career, Simmonds has played for the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, Nashville Predators, Devils, and now (team). This will be the third time Simmonds has been traded. The first time came when the Kings acquired Mike Richards from the Philadelphia Flyers.

In 902 career games in the NHL, Simmonds has recorded 498 points (251 goals and 247 assists). After signing a one-year deal with the Devils in the off-season, Simmonds has 24 points (eight goals and 16 assists) in 61 games. It has not been the ideal year for Simmonds and the Devils as they are heading towards another top pick in the upcoming NHL Draft. His numbers are down from a year ago with he had 30 points (17 goals and 13 assists) playing in 79 games with the Flyers and Predators. In 44 career postseason games, Simmonds has 21 points (eight goals and 13 assists).

This is the second year in a row Simmonds has been traded at the deadline. Last year, the Flyers traded Simmonds to the Predators for Ryan Hartman and 2020 fourth-round pick. Simmonds had stated earlier in the season, he would like to remain with the Devils for the remainder of the season instead of being traded again at the deadline.

What This Means For Simmonds’ New Team

In Simmonds, the (team) gets a tough hard nose player that is good in the dirty areas of the ice. He brings a certain physical edge that will help a team that has young players. Simmonds does his best work in front of the opposition goaltender. While his numbers are down, he brings that edge that is necessary once the playoffs start.

Throughout his career, Simmonds has been very flexible when it comes to playing anywhere in the lineup. He can be a top-line winger or slide down to the third line if needed. At this stage of his career, Simmonds is more a depth player. However, he is still very valuable when it comes to the power play. He parks his big body right in front of the opposing goaltender creating havoc.

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