Flyers, Simmonds have had preliminary talks about new contract
The Philadelphia Flyers and winger Wayne Simmonds have held preliminary talks about a new contract, he told theScore's John Matisz at BioSteel Camp on Wednesday.
While discussions have started, Simmonds is focused primarily on his health heading into the final season of his six-year, $23.85-million contract.
"I've gotta get healthy, first and foremost, and show (them) that I am the player that I was, I think, two years ago," Simmonds said, according to Matisz.
Following the Flyers' first-round playoff elimination in April, Simmonds revealed a ridiculous list of injuries he played through in 2017-18.
Wayne Simmonds injury timeline
— Dave Isaac (@davegisaac) April 25, 2018
• Enters training camp with torn pelvis.
• Oct. 17: pulled groin
• Oct. 19: broken teeth from Mattias Ekholm’s stick
• Late Oct: breaks ankle from Shayne Gostisbehere snapshot
• Feb. 16: tore ligament in his hand.
The 30-year-old still managed to suit up in 75 contests last season, recording 24 goals and 46 points - his lowest total in both categories in a full campaign since 2011-12.
When fully healthy, Simmonds is one of the premier producers at his position. Since 2013-14, Simmonds' 144 goals rank sixth among all right-wingers. If he can get back on track next season, it's safe to say he'll be in line for a raise from his modest $3.975 million cap hit.