Breakdown: It is heartbreaking to hear that Sheldon Keefe must step down, but why?
The 35-year-old, who played eight seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, announced his retirement on Monday. Between Philadelphia, the L.A. Kings, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, and Toronto Maple Leafs, Simmonds played 1,037 games.
Simmonds released a statement saying, “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.”
It’s an honor to take the ice wearing a Flyers sweater, and I genuinely take pride in that accomplishment. I have the utmost respect for this franchise’s heritage and the standards that were established for Flyers.
“The way the fans support this team may be the main factor in that. You mean so much to me, and it was an honor to perform for you after all these years. I want to express my gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the years for my family and me, as well as to Dan Hilferty, Keith Jones, and Danny Briere for making today truly memorable.”
On October 9, 2020, Simmonds, a native of Scarborough, Ontario, agreed to a one-year contract with the Maple Leafs. In his first season back in his hometown, he played 38 games for Toronto, tallying two assists and seven goals.
The next summer, Simmonds inked a second contract worth $1.8 million, this time with the Maple Leafs. Donning the blue and white, he participated in nine playoff games and recorded one assist.
“Playing with Wayne was fun in every way. He’s a fantastic groupmate. Morgan Rielly stated on Monday, “He plays a hard brand of hockey.”
It was really challenging to play against him for all those years that he was in Philadelphia. But for a few years, having him in our room was a pleasure all around.”
“Simmonds was merely an opponent. Shedlon Keefe, head coach of the Maple Leafs, called him “one of the toughest guys I’ve ever coached” on Monday. “[He] exuded positive energy and was a pleasant person to be around.
“Looking back, I felt it was unfortunate that his debut season here was played during a period when the building was empty of spectators. However, he had a fantastic career, with his prime years undoubtedly spent in Philadelphia, making it appropriate that he can retire as a Flyer.”
