Forward Wayne Simmonds to retire a Flyer after 15 NHL seasons

Forward Wayne Simmonds announced his retirement from the NHL on Monday after 15 seasons with six teams.

The Philadelphia Flyers are signing him to a one-day contract and will honor his career on April 13 during a game against the New Jersey Devils.

Simmonds, 35, appeared in 1,037 games and tallied 526 points (263 goals, 263 assists) and 1,313 penalty minutes.

"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," Simmonds said. "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."

Simmonds played eight seasons with the Flyers from 2011-19. The Ontario native entered the league as a 2007 second-round pick by the Los Angeles Kings and also suited up for the Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres before playing his final three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs (2020-23).

"It is a privilege to congratulate Wayne on his retirement from the NHL and I look forward to celebrating his career on April 13 with our great fans," said Flyers general manager Daniel Briere. "He was an excellent teammate, a leader in the locker room and a class act for the Philadelphia community. He had such passion for this city and team that it was an honor to witness it all and play alongside him. I wish him all the happiness and success to him and his family as he embarks on this new chapter."

Simmonds' teams went to the Stanley Cup playoffs nine times and he contributed 22 points (eight goal, 14 assists) in 53 games.

Simmonds was the MVP of the 2017 NHL All-Star Game and received the Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award in 2018-19.