In a major development from the hockey world, former Philadelphia Flyers forward Wayne Simmonds seems to have called it quits. The veteran player is now taking a break from professional hockey after 15 seasons and is turning his attention towards his family.
As per reports from The Canadian Press, Simmonds informed about this major decision ahead of Hockey Diversity Alliance’s first-ever WinterFest event. This event is scheduled to take place from Toronto on February 3.
The reason for this decision from Simmonds is expected to be the time involved in the game. The forward, who spend his last three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, now seems to want to spend some time with his kids off the ice.
I haven't officially announced my retirement, but I'm done. I had a great career. It was the best time I've ever had in my life. Right now, it's family time. Wayne Simmonds on his future as per CBC.
Following this conversation, Simmonds would express his gratitude towards the Maple Leafs organization and thanked them for their contributions for him. He would claim the experience of playing for them as something that he will ‘never forget‘.
I'm still grateful to the organization for allowing me to put on the Maple Leaf. That's an iconic jersey. It's something that I'll never forget. Wayne Simmonds on his time with the Maple Leafs.
Wayne Simmonds hits back at retirement talks
After the word of his ‘retirement’ broke out, fans were quick to pay their respects and honor him. However, in a drastic turn of events, Wayne Simmonds has now hit back at the retirement talks.
As per Joshua Clipperton, Simmonds was quoted saying that he is not retiring, but was done. This suggested that he had hanged up his skates and was turning his attention to his family. Simmonds has now once again clarified that he is not retiring from professional hockey.
Taking to his X account, Simmonds would requote the tweet of Clipperton and write:
Did not announce my retirement !!! Wayne Simmonds on his retirement talks on X.
This words of Simmonds has once again stirred a talking point among the fans. Only time will tell whether he will actually make a grand return to NHL. His age could become an important factor going forward as teams explore the uncertainty regarding his future.
Speaking on his career, the Canadian international has established himself as a premier power forward. In his 1,037 official NHL games, the 35-year-old racked up an equal amount of 263 goals and 263 assists (526 total points) in 15 seasons while appearing for the LA Kings, New Jersey Devils, Nashville Predators and Buffalo Sabres among the other two teams mentioned above.
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