Photo Credits: Eric Hartline/USA Today Sports
Today, Wayne Simmonds announced his retirement from the NHL.
Simmonds was drafted by the LA Kings 61st overall in 2007. He spent three seasons with the Kings before being traded to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Simmonds became a fan favourite with the Flyers, spending eight seasons with the club. In 584 games with Philadelphia, he put up 378 points, 203 goals and 175 assists.
“It’s hard to describe my emotions on a day like this, but one of my very first thoughts as I look back is my life in Philadelphia and playing for the Flyers,” Simmonds said. “Taking the ice in a Flyers sweater is a special feeling, and it’s one that I’m truly proud of. The history of this franchise and standard of being a Flyer that was set is unique and one that I hold in the highest regard.
“Perhaps the biggest reason for that is the way the fans embrace this team. It was a thrill to play for you all these years, and you mean so much to me.”
After being traded from the Flyers, he made stops with the Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres.
Simmonds would play his final three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing in 128 games with the club.
In 15 NHL seasons, Simmonds finished his career with 1037 games played, 263 goals, and 263 assists for 526 points.
The Philadelphia Flyers will sign Simmonds to a one-day contract and honour him on April 13th against the New Jersey Devils.
