Former Maple Leafs Forward Wayne Simmonds Announces Retirement After 15 Seasons in the NHL

"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 in a statement. 

“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. 

"Perhaps the biggest reason for that is the way the fans embrace this team. It was a thrill to play for you all these years, and you mean so much to me. I'd like to thank Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones and Danny Briere for making this a special day and the fans for all their support throughout the years for me and my family."

From Scarborough, Ontario, Simmonds signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs on Oct. 9, 2020. He played 38 games with Toronto during his first season in his hometown, scoring seven goals and two assists.

Simmonds would sign another deal — a two-year, $1.8 million contract with the Maple Leafs — the following summer. He played a total of nine playoff games wearing the blue and white, tallying one assist.

"I enjoyed everything about playing with Wayne. He's a great teammate. He plays a hard brand of hockey," Morgan Rielly said on Monday. 

"Playing against him for all those years when he was in Philly, it was very difficult. But having him here in our room for a couple years was just a pleasure the entire time."

"[Simmonds was] just a competitor. One of the toughest guys I've ever coached," Maple Leafs head coach Shedlon Keefe said on Monday. "[He] was a good guy to have around, good energy about him. 

"Going back, I thought it was a shame his first year with us here was played at a time when there was no fans in the building. But he had a terrific career, and obviously his best years in Philadelphia so fitting that he gets to retire as a Flyer."

Simmonds will sign a one-day contract with Philadelphia and celebrate his career in the Wells Fargo Center on April 13.