The Wayne Train rolled into Philadelphia in 2011 and it hasn’t stopped running since.
Wayne Simmonds makes hockey fun
While his early season flashes act as notable examples of his abilities, Wayne Simmonds has consistently displayed his versatile talents over the last several years. It’s time to take notice.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
A glimmer of hope after the Flyers traded their beloved captain, Wayne Simmonds emerged as a dynamic, energetic, and tough player of which few in the city had firsthand knowledge. Originally whispered as a potential piece in hypothetical trades, the Los Angeles Kings product quickly established himself as a promising piece of the Philadelphia Flyers future.
Now, a few years older, and acting as a captain* of the Flyers Train (just roll with it, I’m doing a thing), Simmonds has put on an impressive showing through two, COUNT ‘EM TWO. WHOLE. NHL. REGULAR. SEASON. GAMES.
And it’s been a joy to watch him do so.
Simmonds was able to win over fans with the dynamic nature of his skill set. Despite the looks of the cover, the content of the player defied what the eyes might presume about a man of his stature. Possessing the grime and grit (am I allowed to use that word or) from a generation his senior, Simmonds has a noticeable athleticism that brings a hand to the chin. It isn't the same kind of athleticism that Sidney Crosby has or the athleticism that Alex Ovechkin is criticized for. But it is still entertaining to watch nonetheless.
Fortunately, Wayne didn’t hesitate to show you how pretty he can play, displaying some slick hand-eye coordination on opening night:
While Simmonds wasn't able to finish the job in that sequence, he had no trouble the next night when he scored two crucial goals against the New Jersey Devils during the Flyers home opener.
Simmonds tied the contest with a thrilling goal seconds before the expiration of the second period, almost immediately after he brought the Flyers from 3-1 down to within a goal. That first strike was a thing of beauty:
The second one was just downright thrilling:
The second play didn’t happen just because of Simmonds, but was further evidence of the intelligence, skill and potential of the player. Simmonds knows where he has to be, has the ability to get there and has the talent to finish.
It doesn’t mean he’ll always be able to get there and stretches of last season proved he won’t always be able to finish. But Simmonds is showing that these traits are repeatable, and if he is able to repeat them more times than not, then he will continue to be a very entertaining -- and effective -- player.
* I’m aware that trains have conductors but Wayne Simmonds is an alternate captain and I’m doing a thing here. Just roll with the thing.
Acquired by Philadelphia as the NHL-ready piece in the trade of former Flyers captain Mike Richards, Simmonds came packaged with a 2012 second-round pick and Brayden Schenn, the No. 1 prospect in hockey (at the time).
Billed as a physical forward, fans anticipated Simmonds being a “Philadelphia kind of player” who battled in the corners and threw blows with the bruisers. He lived up to the billing and the fans loved him immediately.
They still do, via Charlie O’Connor of Broad Street Hockey:
Wayne Simmonds remains one of the top three reasons to sit down and watch the Flyers play hockey. He’s still a monster (apologies to Pierre McGuire) on the power play, and he’s showcased a few new slick stickhandling moves in the early going this year. All while retaining the edge to his game that endears him to Flyers fans. Wayne Simmonds forever, indeed.
Simmonds has established his place on the team, acting as the net front presence on the top power play unit and cementing a spot in the forward group as the second line accompaniment to captain Claude Giroux and power play partner Jakub Voracek.
Which brings us back to Schenn.
Currently playing as the third to Giroux and Voracek, Schenn is tasked with filling out the top line. It’s a big opportunity, which could bring huge rewards. That is, as long as Schenn figures out how to do it, something he hasn’t done thus far. Despite possessing a perceived amount of upside, Schenn hasn’t defined a role with the team. He’s playing in the top six and he receives power play minutes but he doesn’t really do anything with them.
Honestly, it’s difficult to even say what position best suits him because he hasn’t effectively performed at center or on the wing, via Kurt R. of Broad Street Hockey:
Three years later, we’ve probably got even more questions about Schenn than we did when he got here, as the young forward is still a significant subject of debate among fans while he sits without a true role on the Flyers in both the short- and long-term.
In my mind, Schenn probably has until American Thanksgiving to begin establishing a role with the Flyers before trade speculation begins in earnest. His name has already been floated in rumors and the Flyers desperately need to improve areas of their team, none more glaring then defense. Schenn still has value in a package but it’s nowhere near what it was when he was the assumed centerpiece in the Richards trade.
Which is interesting to look back on now, because Simmonds has truly emerged as the kind of player many hoped Schenn would become (top line asset, key power play contributor). Regardless of Schenn, Simmonds is showing a promising trajectory that should keep him as a key cog in the Flyers train for years to come.
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