Even before the 2018-19 season, there was always a chance that the Philadelphia Flyers would trade Wayne Simmonds. The 30-year-old is on the last year of his contract and due to make a big raise. Plus, as a power forward, there’s always been a concern that he’ll hit an age wall sooner rather than later.
But the Flyers were supposed to also be in playoff contention this year. Fast forward to January, in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, coach Dave Hakstol and general manager Ron Hextall gone, the small chance at trading Simmonds became a certainty.