Flyers GM plans to deal or sign Simmonds by trade deadline

Philadelphia Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher is not going to let Wayne Simmonds leave for nothing.

"That won’t happen," Fletcher told Philly.com's Sam Carchidi. "The goal would be to either have him signed or moved by the trade deadline."

The veteran forward, who is expected to be dealt, is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the year.

Fletcher understands what Simmonds brings to the team, but knows he has to consider the financial impact.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Wayne Simmonds, but we have to look at our cap situation moving forward," Fletcher said. "(Simmonds) has been a warrior for this franchise and is still a heck of a hockey player."

The 30-year-old is in his eighth season with the Flyers and has tallied 202 goals and 373 points in 569 games with the franchise. This season, Simmonds ranks second on the Flyers with 15 goals and leads the team with 67 penalty minutes.