Wayne Simmonds Signs One-Day Contract & Retires

He battled his way through 15 NHL seasons—literally—but now it's time to hang up the skates for 35-year-old Wayne Simmonds. And he'll do so as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers, the team he spent 8 of those seasons with, and the prime of his career. 

Wayne Simmonds is officially retiring as a member of the #flyers. He's signing a one-day contract and being honoured on April 13.

Great career.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 18, 2024

Simmonds has signed a one-day contract with Philly, and the Flyers will honor him on April 13th.  

Congrats, @Simmonds17!

The Flyers will sign Wayne Simmonds to a one-day contract and celebrate his career on Saturday, April 13 at @WellsFargoCtr. https://t.co/XPKtd27hDM

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 18, 2024

"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,” said Simmonds. “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. Perhaps the biggest reason for that is the way the fans embrace this team. It was a thrill to play for you all these years, and you mean so much to me." 

Simmonds played 1,037 games in the NHL, and notched 536 points, but his biggest success came in the City of Brotherly Love, where he racked up six 20-goal seasons. In his career, he also registered 1,313 penalty minutes and 1,913 hits. 

He also has an award on his resume, winning the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2018-19 while with Philadelphia and Nashville. 

He finished his career with three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and last played in the 2022-23 season.

Congrats on a great career. 

 Photo: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports