As the clock keeps ticking towards the NHL trade deadline, there are some pending UFA’s for the Flyers that could realistically be dealt. These players are Michael Raffl, Jordan Weal, and Wayne Simmonds.
Simmonds is very attractive to a contender that needs a Veteran presence, and a guy that would rub the locker room the right way. This warrior in Simmonds gives his all on a nightly basis. Does he have some bad games? Sure he does, but he’s a beast when he needs to be. With the looming trade deadline around the corner, things aren’t easy for Simmonds right now mentally, as one can imagine.
For years (8 to be exact), he’s given his all to this organization. He commands respect from everyone on and off the ice. Simmonds has showed everyone including the great fans of Philadelphia that he wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s a leader on and off the ice.
Times are tough for the Wayne “Train.” The writing has been on the wall that he will not return to the Flyers next season. As one can imagine it’s hard. The character guy in Simmonds is trying to brush off the trade deadline like it’s not a big deal, “To be honest with you it hasn’t crossed my mind, who cares…who cares.” Simmonds stated. “We’re in this together…All for one and one for all.”
After conversing with Simmonds more on Friday Afternoon following practice. It appears that the trade deadline is indeed affecting him. I stated to him that he looks mentally strong to which Simmonds states, “Aggggh I’ve played in this league a longtime. This is my 11th year. He brings up the trade deadline (Pause).” Simmonds then choked up, looked down, and exhaled with emotion, “I appreciate everything. You have to be a professional on and off the ice. Got to come to work, and continue to play good hockey. We got to stick together, it’s hard for everyone involved.”
Simmonds choked up, and looked down when thinking about the trade deadline. He stated, "We got to stick together." It's hard for everyone involved. #Flyers #LetsGoFlyers #FlyersTalk
— Jamey Baskow (@JameyBaskow) January 4, 2019
If indeed Simmonds does get traded by the trade deadline, it will be a tough day for Simmonds and the proud orange clad fans that support this organization. Simmonds is the definition of a Flyer, and the fans realize the importance of this player. Yes, the writing is on the wall, but it’s tough to see this emotion from a Warrior that Simmonds is. He’s a class act, and Wayne…Philly appreciates everything you have done for this organization.
Photo credit: Alex Mclntyre
