Extension updates are coming out like wildfire from the BioSteel training camp in Toronto, and John Matisz of theScore gives us the latest regarding Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds. Simmonds told Matisz that he’s had preliminary talks with the Flyers about an extension, but wants to prove that when healthy he can still be the dominant offensive presence he was two years ago.
Simmonds, 30, is heading into the final year of his current contract with much to prove after an injury plagued 2017-18. Even though he still recorded 24 goals and 46 points, it was a significant drop off from his consecutive 30+ goal campaigns in previous years and 60-point output in 2015-16. Simmonds was obviously limited by injuries for much of the year, which also reduced his willingness to engage physically at times leading to his lowest hit total (129) in a full season since 2010-11, and the lowest fight total (3) of his career.
While there was still obviously plenty to like about Simmonds game, there is now some question about how he’ll hold up over a long-term contract given his style of play and age. The Flyers were clear that they had interest in signing the power forward to an extension when GM Ron Hextall spoke about it at the NHL Entry Draft, but few reports have come out about any negotiations since. Simmonds has been one of the game’s biggest bargains on his current six-year $23.8MM contract that he signed in 2012, but is likely looking for a substantial raise from the $3.975MM cap hit he’ll carry this season.
Dear Simmer: Thanks so much for the balls out effort, tenacious style and years of premium statistics on a ridiculous AAV. I’ll trade you at the deadline for a King’s ransom, your former friend, Hexy.
Trade him back to LA
I don’t think they could squeeze his next contract in now after adding Kovy. I absolutely love Simmonds but he likely won’t even get a real chance to reestablish his value, he’s looking like a 3rd line player and a bump too the 2nd PP unit with JVR’s arrival.
So Simmonds has an injury plagued season and still managed to play 75 games, plus the games if he played in the playoffs.
He’s a warrior for sure. Unfortunately, players that play Simmer’s style just don’t age well.