Flyers' Wayne Simmonds in walking boot, status for opener 'up in the air'
Wayne Simmonds was seen wearing a walking boot while watching Flyers' practice this week, while head coach Craig Berube said the wingers' timeline for return is "up in the air."
By
Chris Peters
•
1 min read
Wayne Simmonds scored 29 goals for the Philadelphia Flyers last year and figures to be a prominent part of the team’s scoring attack again in 2014-15. However, after suffering a lower-body injury, Simmonds’ status for the season-opener against the Boston Bruins Wednesday is in doubt.
More from Dave Isaac of the Courier-Post:
Right wing Wayne Simmonds stood along the boards in a walking boot. He hasn't been on the ice since Tuesday's preseason game against the New York Rangers. With 5:43 left in the game, Simmonds blocked a wrister from defenseman Conor Allen. Simmonds, who had a career-high 29 goals last season, finished the game. He hasn't been able to get into a practice yet, leaving a return on opening night Wednesday against the Boston Bruins very much in question.
"Listen there's really not a lot to talk about with him," coach Craig Berube said. "Right now he's out. And he hasn't practiced, so we'll see about (Monday). If he can get on the ice (Monday) and then maybe practice the next day, maybe I'll consider putting him in (Wednesday). I don't know. Right now it's up in the air."
Considering the injury is bad enough for Simmonds to be in a boot and for Berube to be a bit evasive on a timeline, it could be a somewhat serious situation.
According to Tim Pannacio of CSNPhilly.com, Blair Jones would likely take Simmonds' spot in the lineup if the latter is unable to play.
Considering the value Simmonds brings, he’d be a tough guy to go without in a tough test right out of the gates against the Bruins. It’s also tough for Simmonds to possibly get off to a late start this season with an opportunity to build off of his 2013-14 performance.
Simmonds had a career-best 60 points last season. In 449 career NHL games, he has 234 points. He’s been extremely durable throughout his career as well, never missing more than four games in a single season.
