Maple Leafs working on extension with Wayne Simmonds

Wayne Simmonds talks about his year playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs and says he is open to returning to the team next season.

It sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs are working on an extension with forward Wayne Simmonds, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Simmonds, who hails from nearby Scarborough, Ont., joined his hometown team in free agency last fall on a one-year, $1.5-million contract. While the 32-year-old saw a dip in production (seven goals, nine points in 38 games) he brought strength and physicality to the lineup as one of a handful of veteran leaders brought in to complement the core group.

Asked about his future during his series-ending media availability earlier this month, Simmonds told reporters he had "no clue" what his next opportunity would bring and that he'd "definitely be open" to a Toronto return.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time this year playing for the Leafs. Although it is a sport we play, we love the game we play, it is a business. We didn’t get past that Game 7 threshold, so I honestly don’t know what management’s thought process is, or how the coaching staff feels about the support pieces on the team," he said.

“I’d definitely be open to coming back, that’s for sure, but like I said, it is a business, and only time will tell.”

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