Some NHL Insiders are hinting that Wayne Simmonds’ trade value is deflating right before the Feb. 25 trade deadline. That could spell trouble for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Even before the 2018-19 season, there was always a chance that the Philadelphia Flyers would trade Wayne Simmonds. The 30-year-old is on the last year of his contract and due to make a big raise. Plus, as a power forward, there’s always been a concern that he’ll hit an age wall sooner rather than later.
But the Flyers were supposed to also be in playoff contention this year. Fast forward to January, in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, coach Dave Hakstol and general manager Ron Hextall gone, the small chance at trading Simmonds became a certainty.
Today, even though the Flyers have won 11 of their last 14, they’re still six points out of the playoffs and Simmonds is still likely to be traded. However, the return for the 30 year is looking like it might be slipping.
First, in Pierre LeBrun’s buyer/seller rundown of every NHL team at The Athletic, LeBrun noted that GM Chuck Fletcher may not trade Simmonds. The insider speculated without certainty that that could be because of an improvement in contract negotiations or due to Fletcher’s trade demands not being reached.
On Thursday, TSN’s Bob McKenzie laid a bigger hit noting that pro scouts were staying cautious with their reviews of Simmonds:
Pro scouts have been cautious with their recent reviews on Simmonds. https://t.co/KTlEdYiESt
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2019
Simmonds really hasn’t been the player he was for the past two seasons. Last year can be chalked up to injuries, but this year he has just 25 points in 57 games. Solid numbers for a third-liner but not for a player that most teams would want in their top six.
The cost of extending Simmonds probably isn’t too big of a concern for contending teams, but it also doesn’t help when players like Matt Duchene, Mark Stone, and Artemi Panarin are rumored to be on the market. Contenders will likely eye them up before the Flyers winger — especially with all three having great years.
Not that it needs to be said, but this is bad news for the Flyers. Although Philly doesn’t need picks and prospects with their prospect pool, the assets accumulated in a Simmonds deal could be used as future payments to upgrade the 2019-20 roster. It would also hurt to keep the former King, miss the playoffs and let him walk in free agency for nothing.
I’d imagine that when the Flyers first started thinking of trading Simmonds, they expected a first-round pick and a prospect in return. It’s possible that teams aren’t yet offering even the first part of that return.
But there’s still time for things to turn around. The market is clogged with players available and once they fall, the teams that miss out will turn their attention to Simmonds and other secondary forwards. Simmonds may be slowing down, but he’s still top-notch in front of the net and will bring physical play for at least the rest of the season.
Simmonds’ value may be slipping, but a lot could happen before the Feb. 25 deadline. It might just take more time for the Flyers to find their best return.