Wayne Simmonds is likely to be dealt before the Feb. 25 trade deadline. These are the teams that are rumored to be interested and what the Flyers could expect in return.
The trade deadline is just over a week away and the Philadelphia Flyers’ biggest trade chip, Wayne Simmonds, remains with the team. There’s a chance his trade value might be slipping a little, but all reports point to the Flyers moving the 30-year-old before the deadline.
Since it’s trading season in the NHL, there’s been plenty of reports and speculation of teams that could make a play for Simmonds. Here’s a look at them and what the Flyers could look for in return.
Boston Bruins – Reported by Pierre LeBrun
The Bruins have always been a logical destination for Simmonds because of the way he plays and this season may be the best chance for a match made in hockey heaven. The Bruins have a decent shot at coming out of the East, but behind David Pastrnak on the right wing is just Danton Heinen, Jake DeBrusk and David Backes.
For the Flyers, Boston also has a slew of prospects that could be of interest, such as Trent Federick or Jack Studnicka, and the team still has its first-round pick. The Bruins will be one of the bigger players in the buying market, and Simmonds may be one of their best options.
Nashville Predators – Reported by Pierre LeBrun
The Predators are reportedly looking to add another forward despite already trading for Brian Boyle. Like the Bruins, their right-wing depth is lacking after their first-liner. Simmonds would be an upgrade over Craig Smith and Calle Jarnkrok, plus there’s a coach connection with Peter Laviolette behind the bench.
Nashville gave up a second-round pick for Boyle, but do have their first. Without a second, the team may be a little hesitant to part with its first. If that does happen, prospect Eeli Tolvanen has always been an intriguing prospect or do-it-all winger Jarnkrok could be included in a package.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Reported by Pierre LeBrun
Looking at the Lightning’s roster, there doesn’t appear to be much the team needs to improve on, but insiders have reported that the team wouldn’t mind adding some grit to its already impressive roster — and they’ll have some cap space by the deadline. Simmonds would probably take a lesser role with the Lightning than some other teams, with right-wingers Nikita Kucherov and J.T. Miller in a Bolts sweater.
But Tampa Bay would have to get creative in a deal. Their 2019 first-round pick is included as a condition in the Miller & Ryan McDonagh trade and can’t be dealt. They also don’t have a second-rounder in 2019. Miller could turn into a trade chip since he makes $5.25 million and has just nine goals and 32 points this season. However, prospects Alex Barre-Boulet or Taylor Raddysh would entice the Flyers more than an underachieving veteran.
Winnipeg Jets – Reported by Pierre LeBrun
The Jets are young but they’re going to hit cap issues soon, so this season may be one of the team’s best chances at winning a Cup. Winnipeg’s been reported to be sniffing around many of the best rental players, but TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that Ottawa’s Mark Stone might be its favorite:
WPG will, I believe, go hard to get Mark Stone so I’d expect Dorion will be looking at any and all possibilities on the Jets/Moose. https://t.co/aNYmgSAPdE
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 14, 2019
If the Jets lose out on Stone, Simmonds is a good second option at right wing. The team still has their first round pick, but 22-year-old Jack Roslovic is also No. 18 on TSN’ Trade Bait list.
Calgary Flames – Speculated by Scott Burnside
If the Flames can get their goaltending figured out, there’s plenty of reasons to believe that they can make a run in the Western Conference. According to Burnside, they’d like to add some grit. Simmonds and former Flame Michael Ferland could be options to fill that role.
The Flames still have their first-round pick, but not a second-rounder in 2019. Center Dillon Dube is a prospect that might interest Philly. They have a couple defense prospects also, but you’d have to imagine Philly is mostly content there.
Vegas Golden Knights – Speculated by Scott Burnside
The Knights have been struggling lately with just two wins in their last nine games, but are still solidly in a playoff spot in the weak Pacific Division. A locker room leader like Simmonds could help them through this rut and also provide depth behind Rielly Smith.
The Knights are still overfilled with draft picks from Expansion Draft trades, including three third-round picks in 2019 on top of first and second-rounders. Left Wing prospect Jack Dugan could be another trade chip.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Speculation
Plenty have speculated that the Leafs could eye Simmonds to add some grit to their lineup — especially with a high chance that they’ll meet the Bruins in the first round — but GM Kyle Dubas reportedly doesn’t like adding rentals. With Toronto’s 2019-20 cap crunch, that’s all Simmonds will be for them.
However, should the Lightning and Bruins add forwards that aren’t Simmonds, maybe that forces Dubas to figure out a way to improve his roster. The longtime Flyers forward would definitely be an option.