Wayne Simmonds announced his retirement from the NHL, with the Philadelphia Flyers honoring him with a one-day contract and a pre-game ceremony on April 13, reflecting on his impactful career and deep connection to the team and its fans.
Wayne Simmonds made a big announcement on Monday. He’s retiring from the NHL. But there’s a twist. The Philadelphia Flyers are bringing him back for one more day. They’ll sign him to a one-day contract. And there’s more. They’re planning a pre-game ceremony in his honor on April 13. That’s when the Flyers are set to face off against the New Jersey Devils.
“It’s a whirlwind of emotions,” Simmonds confessed. He couldn’t help but reflect on his journey. “Philly… playing for the Flyers. It’s something else.” He talked about the pride he felt every time he donned a Flyers jersey. “There’s something special about it,” he added.
Simmonds didn’t hold back on his admiration for the franchise. “The history, the standards here… it’s all top-notch.” He’s particularly touched by the fans’ passion. “The way they’ve supported the team, and me, it’s incredible,” he said.
Now, let’s talk about Simmonds’ career. He spent a good chunk of it, eight years to be exact, with the Flyers. That was from 2011 to 2019. Born in Scarborough, Ont., he’s been quite the player. Over his career, he’s racked up 203 goals and 175 assists. That’s 378 points in total. And let’s not forget the 786 penalty minutes.
His journey to Philadelphia was a trade. Before the 2011-12 season, the Flyers got him from the Los Angeles Kings. Brayden Schenn and a second-round pick were also part of the deal. They traded away Mike Richards and Rob Bordson. And Simmonds? He shone bright, even making it to the 2017 NHL All-Star Game. With 1,108 hits, he’s second in the franchise’s history.
“It’s been an incredible ride,” Simmonds reflected. He expressed his gratitude towards Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones, and Danny Briere. “They made this day unforgettable.” And the fans? “Their support has meant the world to me and my family,” he said.
Throughout his NHL career, Simmonds played in 1,037 games. He scored 263 goals and made 263 assists. That’s a total of 526 points. Besides the Flyers, he played for the Kings, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
