I really hope they don't over pay for a guy who isn't as good because he's gritty.

While I'd like to add the element to the lineup I fear they pay kerfoot plus for Foligno or something. The problem is 2021 Foligno isn't a clear upgrade on Kerfoot

* Willy parties more*

If the Leafs add a gritty forward who can score. Where do you see that guy playing? We already have a gritty forward who can score in Simmonds but hardly use him. I feel like the type of player a lot of Leafs fans want doesn't exist for the cap hit we can afford or they're so coveted that nobody is willing to trade them away.

When it comes playoff time, the forward group needs to collectively step up and play more gritty. No one addition makes this team rougher to play against, each player has to make themselves tougher to play against.

Simmonds can't really score all that well at this point in his career. There are very few players who actually are gritty and score well. If Simmonds could he would be on a top two line.

In 10 games since returning from injury he has 1 goal and 2 assists. Thats fourth line production

Thats about 8 goals and 24 points for a season

Even over the whole season he has 6 goals and 2 assissts in 22 games.

Thats about 23 goals and 8 assists, and frankly I don't think he can score that many. He has his highest career shooting percentage, and also has 3 PPG goals. He has 3 RS goals in 22 games.

Over his last 107 games he has scored 15 goals 21 assists which in 82 games is about 12 goals and 17 points (done in my head, should be close).

Dude is a borderline 3rd to fourth liner

Excellent and thorough analysis! I wasn't arguing that Simmonds play has earned him more minutes, I think he's playing where he should based on his production. Simply having him in the lineup offers some much needed grit if someone needs to drop them in the playoffs. I was more challenging OP to show a scenario where this mythical top 6 scoring and gritty forward exists and is available for a cap hit we can afford. Those guys just aren't in abundance in the league.

It's Foligno who like Simmonds is not who he used to. Perhaps Jenner but he's injured.

Off the top of my head I can't think of a legit second line offensive talent (20 g 50pt type player) with toughness who's rumoured to be available.

Adding another gritty 4th liner won't move the needle much

Robertson was playing some games in the AHL, not sure if he's 100% back yet but now would be an excellent time to bring up guys (with the point cushion).

We're in a weird cap situation as Galchenyuk can no longer be waived. I suspect unless there is an injury or a trade that clears cap in some way, Robertson remains down.

They could consider waiving Spezza again with him tellnig the league he'll retire if claimed again, but I feel like the NHL will call them out on cap circumvention if they try that again.

Also Spezza has played really well, so the only reason to do that, is if he feels he needs a night off...