Over the last couple of weeks, the Philadelphia Flyers are one of the hottest teams in hockey, winning eight straight games and being only five points out of a playoff spot.
However, despite their recent winning streak, it has not stopped them from shopping veteran winger Wayne Simmonds.
According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the 30-year-old forward will still be moved before the NHL trade deadline later this month. The NHL insider also added the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Nashville Predators, and Winnipeg Jets are among the teams that have shown interest in Simmonds.
Last month, LeBrun mentioned how both the Jets and Preds are keeping an eye on the veteran. TSN’s Darren Dreger initially brought up Tampa Bay as a potential option.
Regardless of where Simmonds lands, Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher is reportedly looking to acquire a goaltender, top-four defenseman, and a top-nine center.
If Fletcher can get one of those things back for a player like Simmonds, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, it would be a perfect addition to what the Flyers already have on the ice.
This season, the 30-year-old winger has 16 goals and eight assists for a total of 24 points in 53 games. With that type of production, it is no wonder why Simmonds is attracting interest from playoff teams.
However, we cannot forget that he does have limited a no-trade clause within his contract, meaning he can veto a trade to 12 teams. But according to LeBrun, it appears that the NTC will not be a factor for both Philly and Simmonds.
If the Flyers were to trade him to either the Bruins or Lightning, they could maybe get a first-round pick and prospects in return.
Last season, the Boston Bruins traded a 2018 first-round pick, forwards Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey, a prospect and a 2019 fourth-round pick in exchange for 33-year-old Rick Nash of the New York Rangers.
That being said if the Flyers do not want picks, but players in exchange for Simmonds, they might able to poach some from Winnipeg. For example, Philadelphia could look to acquire some of their offensive prospects such as Declan Chisholm, Santeri Virtanen, and Dylan Samberg.
