Either way, it is what it is now. If we're getting rid of one of Jake or Simmonds at this point because we're assuming his next contract is going to be over-inflated, then we need to get rid of him because after losing Schenner we can't be losing another offensive forward like Jake.
Most of Jake's talent allocation shows up as zone entries and other possession, we need him to carry a line on his back and all things considered, he should held accountable to that. I think our pipeline can replace the individual parts of Simmer's game while I'm less sold that we have anyone coming up that can skate the puck end to end like he Jake can, the probability certainly seems much lower. I'd like to see him as a left winger though because it makes more sense for him individually and for the team--- it plays much more to his strengths although he makes a good right winger too.
Wouldn't be happy at all to see Simmer go but after electing to move the youngest piece of that trade piece trio, Im into the logic behind moving the oldest as well considering what he is and considering that the team appears to be at a similar junction to several months ago still.
Edit:
In agreement with Hatcher, It's a stick in the wheel that we have little around in terms of players who can/will drop the gloves to defend their teammates. The timing of moving Simmer now would worry me for the young guys, a few who've already been bullied and injured on the year without any sort of retaliation.