Devils Having Best Offseason in NHL After Smart Addition of Wayne Simmonds
By Scott Rogust
Oh, you thought the New Jersey Devils were done after drafting Jack Hughes with the first overall pick and acquiring PK Subban in a trade with the Nashville Predators? You thought wrong, as general manager Ray Shero made a smart splash in the free agency pool.
The Devils announced they have signed free agent winger Wayne Simmonds on a one-year, $5 million contract on Monday.
#NJDevils news:
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 1, 2019
The club has agreed to terms with right wing Wayne Simmonds on a one-year contract worth $5,000,000. pic.twitter.com/6HrpsM99Xt
Simmonds is known by NHL fans for his fiery attitude, willingness to fight, and goal-scoring abilities. Despite undergoing an uncharacteristic slump this past season with the Predators and Philadelphia Flyers, the Devils took a chance on a prove-it deal.
When Simmonds gets going on all cylinders, he's a 60-point caliber player. In fact, Simmonds has scored 161 goals in the past six seasons.
Pretty sure the Oilers were in on Wayne Simmonds.
— Bob Stauffer (@Bob_Stauffer) July 1, 2019
161 goals last 6 years.
Signs with NJ!
Simmonds' grit will help alleviate some opposing pressure of Hughes and Nico Hischier, while also being a potential go-to target on the ice.
The addition of Simmonds is a low-risk, high-reward signing by Ray Shero and the New Jersey Devils, who seem to have an excellent plan in place to make their mark in the Metro.