Bruins reportedly covet Wayne Simmonds as ‘No. 1 object’, but it could cost them
Dec 27, 2018; Tampa, FL: Philadelphia Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds during the first period at Amalie Arena. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Boston Bruins remain one of the most reported teams in NHL trade deadline rumors, despite already making a deal for Charlie Coyle. Could Flyers right wing Wayne Simmonds be next?
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal made the latest connection between the Bruins and Simmonds in a tweet on Sunday. Matheson has thrown Bruins trade rumors out there before; last year he reported that the Rangers asked the B’s for Jake DeBrusk in a potential deal for now-Lightning defenseman Ryan McDonagh. He believes that the Bruins still view Simmonds as their “No. 1 object” – but it’s going to cost them.
Matheson describes the Flyers’ possible price tag for Simmonds as “a first-rounder and a prospect.” That sounds fairly similar to what the Bruins gave up to get Rick Nash from the Rangers a year ago, minus ancillary pieces. The principal chips in the Nash trade were a first-round pick and defenseman Ryan Lindgren, who has played only three games in the NHL this season.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: Jaroslav Halak of the Boston Bruins makes the second period save on Wayne Simmonds of the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
It would be a bit of a large price to jettison a first-round pick for the second straight season for a veteran rental. It also sounds like it could cost the Bruins a prospect along the lines of Jakub Zboril, or perhaps a lower-level piece. Simmonds, 30, is at a similar stage of his career to Nash. He has 16 goals and just 27 points in 62 games this season, scoring at the lowest rate (11.8 percent) since his rookie year in 2008-09.
If Simmonds could be rejuvenated on David Krecji’s wing in Boston, they’d get about as good of a fit for that line as any winger they’ve ever acquired in the center’s career. Simmonds brings size, physicality, and energy in addition to his scoring touch. It would just be steep to have to go a second year in a row without a first-rounder to get him.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney may covet Simmonds enough to make that sacrifice for a Cup run this spring.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
