Simmonds discusses being placed on waivers and his call-up from the Marlies

Heading into the first week of the season, the Leafs could only carry 20 players on their roster due to cap constraints. Now with Matt Murray sidelined with an abductor injury for the next month, the Leafs have $3.9M in cap space and are now able to carry a full 23-man roster. Nick Robertson and Victor Mete joined Simmonds at Leafs' practice today as the call-ups that will be with the team for the next little bit. Murray's injury gives the Leafs and Simmonds more time to figure out the right fit for him.

"I don't know what's going to happen but I'm here for these guys. I've poured my heart & soul into this team ... & that's not going to change. This is where I want to be & I'll do anything in my power to stay with this organization," Simmonds said, touching on his future after his first practice with the team since training camp.

Discussing his first time on waivers, Simmonds said, "Not the most fun, but I worked to be ready for when I'm needed. At first, you're shocked (to be waived) but the games don't stop. You keep going. You never know what can happen."

Simmonds doesn't have the scoring touch or foot speed he had earlier in his career, but he is still one of the toughest players in the league and will stand up for his teammates any time. There will be games where he is needed in the lineup to keep the opposition in check, but other than that, it will be tough for him to get playing time. It is unfortunate, but his age and playing style has caught up to him at 34 years old and as much as Leaf fans and his teammates love him, he doesn't fit the style of play the Leafs are going for anymore.