Nashville Predators acquire Wayne Simmonds in a steal from Philadelphia Flyers

The Nashville Predators made their move right at the last minute of the deadline, acquiring Wayne Simmonds from the Philadelphia Flyers in a steal of a trade.

The NHL Trade deadline has come and gone, and finally there is an answer on the future of Wayne Simmonds. After eight years, the Philadelphia Flyers bid farewell to one of their biggest fan favorites in Simmonds, sending him off to the Nashville Predators, in exchange for an underwhelming return considering what the price was reported to be just earlier in the day.

The condition on the draft pick states that the 4th round pick in 2020 becomes a 3rd round pick if the Predators advance past the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs this season.

After reports earlier Monday morning that the price for Simmonds was a first round pick and a prospect, to see them settle for Ryan Hartman and a conditional 4th round pick is surprising to say the least. Surely there were better offers on the table, but it seems that the Flyers were more interested in staying in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference by getting a roster player in return.

After years of success with the Flyers, Simmonds best years seem to be behind him now after injuries and age have put him past his prime. In 62 games this season, Simmonds has 16 goals and 11 assists, on pace for a career low 35 points in a full season. However, that does not mean that Simmonds is going to be a bust for Nashville, not even close. The Predators aren’t acquiring Simmonds to be a dynamic scorer, but rather to do what he does best which crash and bang pucks, create room for his teammates, and get to the front of the net to deflect pucks in.

Simmonds has also played in 42 playoff games over his career, posting 21 points in the post-season. The trade also reunites Simmonds with his former coach in Peter Laviolette, who no doubt has his fingerprints all over this trade.

With the acquisition of Simmonds, the Predators add the final piece to their offense as they get ready for their playoff run. There were several rumors that they were after almost all of the big fish like Matt Duchene, Mark Stone, and Kevin Hayes, but Simmonds will fit in on that roster just fine. Perhaps Simmonds slots in on that second line beside Kyle Turris and newly acquired forward Mikael Granlund, at least until Craig Smith returns from injury.

For the Flyers, Ryan Hartman still has the potential to turn into a solid top nine player. The former 30th overall pick in the 2014 draft has been bounced around the last two years, and will be a restricted free agent this offseason. He’s recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 64 games this season while playing a bottom-six role with Nashville, leaving Nashville feeling there was much to be desired. Perhaps getting a more prominent role with the Flyers will boost his numbers, and he can fill the hole left by Simmonds.

The question remains for Simmonds about what he’ll do in the offseason, because the trade included no extension to ensure that he stays in Nashville. If Simmonds does what he’s expected to in Nashville, he’ll likely be in line for a big contract, maybe from Nashville themselves or perhaps he could go home to the Flyers since trading him seemed hurt so much.