Fansided

An Argument for a Wayne Simmonds Reunion

By Scott Cole |
Jan 21, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds (24) and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) battle for the puck during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds (24) and Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) battle for the puck during the first period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Ok. I get it. You’re going to see the title of this and say, “No friggin way!” And I understand why. The Flyers are in the early/middle stages of a youth movement. The last thing this team needs is some old vet who can’t cut it anymore.

We already have Justin Braun on the roster and are attempting to move him. Likewise, it is likely that James van Riemsdyk may soon be gone too. With the team attempting to give time to it’s pipeline of young prospects, why should this team sign an over 30 year old, injury prone vet who’s most likely done by the end of this season.

One word: experience.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed Simmonds on waivers again. They had done this earlier this season too.  He has played in 13 games this year and has just one assist.

Obviously, he doesn’t have it anymore. His body is broken down from his years of very physical play. In fact, ever since he left the Flyers in 2019, he’s been a shell of what he used to be. He used to be the “Wayne Train”. He used to be the guy that this team would jump on and follow into the playoffs.

He was the guy who would battle in the corner for the puck on punch a dude out because he is on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Simmonds turned the area in front of the net into a no-man’s land for guys looking to grab a rebound shot. He would lower his shoulders and just go. He was a Flyer through and through.

And that is what this team is missing. It’s not what he can contribute on the ice. I’d see him as a healthy scratch on most nights. But he can teach a lot of the young guys, like Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, on how to be a tough Flyer. He can help Noah Cates further grow into a star. He can show guys like Zack MacEwen, how to clear the ice in front of the net so guys like Felix Sandstrom don’t give up multiple screened shots.

I feel that Simmonds could end up being a great coach or assistant coach someday. I think he has a lot to offer someone like John Tortorella as young mentor. He can help along with the development of the young players. I feel that Simmer is someone Torts would’ve loved to coach. That’s why I’d be in favor of bringing him back for the rest of this season. And if this is his last season, then he should go out as a Flyer.

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