In stark contrast to my last two articles, this one’s going to be comparatively short ‘n’ sweet.
In evaluating the Penguins’ chances of landing a playoff berth this season, I mentioned the lack of a third-line center capable of stepping into a top-six role as a shortcoming.
There’s another need to be filled. Long-time readers of PenguinPoop probably know where I’m going with this.
Kyle Dubas did add some much-needed mustard to the lineup when he signed buzz-saw forward Noel Acciari to a two-year deal. As a refresher, Acciari hits hard and often (244 last season). Nor does he have any issue with dropping the gloves in defense of a teammate. Fights quite well, too.
However, at 5’10” and 209 pounds he’s obviously not cut out to take on the Tom Wilsons of the world.
To my Neanderthal eye, the Pens still lack a genuine heavy who can defend his teammates and perhaps even do a little intimidating of his own.
I wonder if Dubas might consider adding a player he had in Toronto, Wayne Simmonds. Once upon a time a formidable scorer with six 20-plus goal seasons (including a pair of 30-goal campaigns) to his credit, the 34-year-old right wing is well past his prime as an offensive threat. But the former Messier Award winner, long renowned for his leadership, character and team-first attitude, is a true warrior and still one of the best fighters around.
“He still scares the s–t out of people,” said former Leafs teammate Mitch Marner. “It’s nice to have that on your team at all times. And when he speaks in this room, everyone listens.”
“It can’t be easy, with what he’s accomplished (263 career goals) and what he’s been through throughout his career,” added Leafs captain John Tavares, speaking of Simmonds’ diminished role last season. “But we tip our cap, and, obviously, really appreciate him because of the role that he’s accepted. How he’s handled himself and carried himself on a daily basis has been phenomenal. So, as I said, we’re really lucky to have him as a teammate of ours in many facets.”
Despite Simmond’s toughness and glowing reputation among his teammates, it’s hard to image Pens skipper Mike Sullivan having much use for him, especially given Sully’s stonewall aversion to tough guys. Heck, he wouldn’t play Ryan Reaves when the capo dei capi of NHL heavies was in his prime. And I’m certainly not suggesting a regular spot in the lineup for Simmonds. But on nights when we square off against rugged foes like Philly, Boston and Wilson’s Caps? The 6’2” 184-pounder might be a physical option.
Too, despite his advanced age, the fire to play still burns.
“It’s still special,” Simmonds shared in an interview with Mike Stephens of The Hockey News. “Any time you get to lace up your skates in the NHL, it’s amazing.”
In an interview with Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, Simmonds confessed he hoped to play a few more years.
“I know I have lots to give,” he said.
I realize it probably has as much chance of happening as a snow ball floating down the Mon in July. But could he ride shotgun for our paperweight Pens?
Watson Available, Too
For the record, Austin Watson’s available as well. He’s a left wing, three years younger than Simmonds, a moose at 6’4” and 204 pounds. Every bit as willing, if not necessarily as accomplished a fighter.
In addition to doling out 165 hits last season, he scored three shorties for the Sens (nine goals in total).
The thing is, we need to get younger and not older. Let’s find a young brute who can skate and antagonize other players to get them to commit penalties. Someone like an Ulf Samuelson perhaps a forward though.
I hear you, Steven, and excellent point about us needing to get younger. I wrote my article as much to express my admiration for Simmonds and the type of warrior he is as anything else. I know there’s virtually no chance we’d take a flyer on him…especially at this stage of his career.
I wish we could’ve somehow landed Klim Kostin. Twenty-three years old, 6’3″ 215 pounds, former first-round pick, can skate, hit and fight and score a little (11 goals in 57 games for the Oilers last season). Alas, Detroit nabbed him.
The type of young power forward the Pens could sorely use…but never seem to get. Especially since Mike Sullivan’s arrived.
Rick
Hey all,
Forgot to mention, Simmonds was a killer net-front presence on the power-play in his prime. Another area of need for our Pens.
I could envision parking him in front of the net on the second power play and perhaps getting a few goals from him.
Rick
Rick
Simmonds would still be able to help the Pen’s. Also, Tanner Jeannot has filed for
arbitration and Tampa is 3 plus million over the cap with contracts still to sign.
He was on a 2yr 800k deal – I wonder if we could pry him from the lightning?? I
wouldn’t mind having him or Trent Frederic who also filed for Arbitration. Either
one would look good in the black & Gold.
Hey Mike,
Of the two, I’d love to have Frederic. Just a really tough kid who doesn’t back down from anybody and really seems to relish his physical role. Can score, too (17 goals last season).
I’ve cooled a bit on Jeannot. Not that he isn’t game and tough as nails. But whenever I watched him with the Lightning last season…and I had my eye on him quite a bit…he looked slow and out of sync with his linemates.
But yes, in my dreams, I’d still like to get a legit tough guy. Maybe Dubas will invite Simmonds to camp on a PTO.
Rick
Speaking of PTOs, one of those odd, Granlund-esque premonitions I get sometimes.
If he’s still available, I would not be at all surprised to see the Pens invite Denis Malgin to camp on a tryout. He fits our coach’s MO to a tee…small, speedy right-handed center who scored 13 goals for the Leafs and Avs last season. Kind of a poor man’s Evan Rodrigues.
It was Dubas who brought Malgin to Toronto.
Rick
One last little blurb about Simmonds.
Fred Shero (Ray’s dad and Flyers Cup winning coach) once said of Bryan Hextall (Ron’s dad and former Pen), “I’d love to have him just sitting on my bench.”
In a nutshell, that’s how I feel about Simmonds.
Rick