Wayne Simmonds signs with the Maple Leafs!

It didn’t take long to get a first signing on Friday. There were talks earlier today that Wayne Simmonds was considering three signing options as an unrestricted free agent and it looks like his mind his made up. 

According to Anthony Stewart of Sportsnet, Simmonds has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Maple Leafs. TSN's Pierre LeBrun also confirmed the deal, which includes a full no-movement clause for the veteran player.

On Friday morning, Simmonds was believed to have offers from not only the Maple Leafs, but the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames as well. 

Simmonds is a meat and potatoes kind of player who doesn’t mind roughing things up in front of the net or in the corners. And all of these three clubs were looking to beef up and the Maple Leafs sure need to add grit and power in front of nets. And let’s not forget he was also a 30-goal scorer. While he may not put up as many goals anymore, he could bring Toronto 15 to 20 goals plus the other elements in his game.

He has a couple of good years left in him, and this sounds like a great addition for the Maple Leafs. 

The Habs reportedly made him a more hefty offer, but Simmonds was too attracted by the idea of getting back to his hometown and playing for the Maple Leafs.