Wayne Simmonds announces retirement, will sign one-day contract with Flyers

Wayne Simmonds announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday, saying the Philadelphia Flyers will sign him to a one-day contract and honor him with a pre-game ceremony on April 13 when the Flyers host the New Jersey Devils.

“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 in a statement. “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,” Simmonds continued. “Perhaps the biggest reason for that is the way the fans embrace this team.”

Simmonds, 35, played eight of his 15 NHL seasons with the Flyers between 2011 and 2019. The Scarborough, Ont. native scored 203 goals, 175 assists for 378 points and 786 penalty minutes. He was acquired by Philadelphia before the 2011-12 from the Los Angeles Kings, along with Brayden Schenn and a second-round pick in exchange for Mike Richards and Rob Bordson.

He represented the Flyers at the 2017 NHL All-Star Game. He ranks second in franchise history in hits with 1,108 hits.

“It was a thrill to play for (the Flyers) all these years, and (they) mean so much to me. I’d like to thank Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones and Danny Briere for making this a special day and the fans for all their support throughout the years for me and my family,” Simmonds said.

Simmonds scored 263 goals and 263 assists for 526 points in 1,037 career NHL games with the Flyers, Kings, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs.