After signing a one-day contract in April to retire as a Flyer, Wayne Simmonds is sticking in the organization. The longtime NHL winger has joined Philadelphia’s front office as a community relations ambassador and hockey operations consultant, the team announced today.
It’s the first front-office gig for the 36-year-old. He hasn’t suited up since the 2022-23 season with the Maple Leafs, spending most of last year as a free agent before confirming his retirement in March.
Simmonds will work closely under general manager Daniel Brière in the role and will likely be a name to watch for promotions in the coming years. Starting as a hockey ops consultant is an increasingly frequent route taken by recently retired NHLers, including the Blues’ Alexander Steen just last season. He’s already been promoted to a special assistant to GM Doug Armstrong for 2024-25 and will take over as GM in 2026.
Simmonds, a second-round pick of the Kings in 2007, played three years in Los Angeles before arriving in Philly via trade in the 2011 offseason. He spent parts of eight years in the City of Brotherly Love, racking up 203 goals, 175 assists, 378 points, a -78 rating, and 784 PIMs while averaging 17:05 per game across 584 appearances.
He was one of many hires announced by the Flyers today. Another former NHLer, Reid Simpson, joins Simmonds in Philly as their director of European pro scouting after serving in a US-bound role for the Canadiens since 2016.
Congrats Simms! Always appreciated your style of play!
Congratulations Wayne. Also appreciated your style of play! Hockey will only benefit from your contribution and continued involvement.