New Jersey Devils sign Wayne Simmonds to one-year deal

The New Jersey Devils are adding former Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds on a one-year deal worth $5 million.

The New Jersey Devils have had a pretty good off-season so far. They’ve already added number one overall draft pick Jack Hughes and acquired defenseman P.K. Subban via trade to add two major additions to their roster. Finally, after free agency had officially been going on for about two hours, New Jersey made its first move by signing free agent right-wing Wayne Simmonds, as per Amanda Stein.

This deal seems like a low-risk move by general manager Ray Shero, as contract terms are reported to be one year at $5 million. Simmonds spent the past year with the Philadelphia Flyers before being traded to the Nashville Predators at the deadline.

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Even with any potential upside, Devils fans are likely conflicted about the signing. Simmonds spent the best years of his career playing for one of their most hated rivals in Philadelphia. There, he rose as a fan favorite and was a physical and intimidating presence when the Flyers and Devils would meet.

Seeing their former enemy put on a black and red jersey has to be a surreal experience for them, for sure. Pure speculation, but maybe Simmonds enjoyed the area so much during his time in Philadelphia, he wanted to remain as close as possible?

Simmonds appears that his best years are behind him. After two back-to-back 30 goal seasons in Philadelphia, the most recent in 2016-2017, his production has declined. Last season, split between Philadelphia and Nashville, he only had 30 points, the fewest since his rookie year in 2008-2009 with the Los Angeles Kings.

That was down from 46 points his final full year in Philadelphia. To make matters worse, Simmonds also finished last season with a -16 rating, after only scoring three points after his trade to the Predators.

The money may not break the bank, but Ray Shero is betting big that Simmonds finds the scoring touch he had just a few short seasons ago in Philadelphia. Add into the fact that after Kyle Palmieri, the Devils choices and depth at right-wing are incredibly thin, and Shero also filled a need in his roster. With a one year deal, there’s no commitment past next season. Simmonds is also in a prime position to be traded at the deadline if things between him and the Devils don’t work out.

Give Simmonds the benefit of the doubt for a second that his decreased production last year was due to the looming thought that he was leaving Philly sooner than later. Even then, his stint with Nashville was most likely the best chance to win the cup of his career. Not only did he underperform, but his former team the Flyers won that trade in every stretch of the imagination.

For Devils fans, let’s hope Simmonds regained that same scoring touch he had for the Wells Fargo Center. If all pans out, Shero comes out on top once again. Whether it works out or not, the Wayne Train is making a stop in Newark, New Jersey.