17 Wayne Simmonds RW

Flyers' Wayne Simmonds: Aiming for Opening Night return

Simmonds, 30, originally had hoped to be healthy for the start of training camp but was unable to answer the bell once it got underway. Despite his absence, the big-bodied winger is happy with how the recovery process has gone and remains confident he'll be healthy in time for the regular season. Coming off his worst season statistically since 2012-13 and set to hit free agency at the conclusion of the season, Simmonds needs to bounce back in 2018-19.

Flyers' Wayne Simmonds: Sets goal of being ready for camp

Philadelphia's top-six power winger dealt with a broken ankle, pulled groin, torn ligament in his thumb, and he even tore his pelvis while training for the 2017-18 campaign. Remarkably, Simmonds only missed seven games last year, potting 24 goals to complement 22 helpers and 129 hits through 18:05 of average ice time. He was clearly spent by the time the playoffs rolled around and only saw 14:36 through six games against the Penguins, but fantasy owners shouldn't discount Simmonds too much, as he's an excellent source of points -- both at even strength and on special teams.

Flyers' Wayne Simmonds: Played through litany of injuries

Simmonds tore his pelvis prior to this season's training camp, though he didn't elaborate on how long he'd been dealing with his other injuries. Always a fiery, in-your-face type of player, it's remarkable that Simmonds maintained this style while he was essentially a walking case study in sports-related injuries. That isn't to say that his play didn't suffer, though, as he had his lowest 82-game-season goal and point totals -- 24 and 46, respectively -- since 2010-11, his final season as a King. Whether or not he needs hip surgery still needs to be determined, but once healthy, we should see his production return to the levels we've become accustomed to seeing.

Flyers' Wayne Simmonds: Makes most of limited playing time

Pushed down to a bottom-six role in the postseason, Simmonds must work very efficiently to produce fantasy-friendly numbers. Presumably, his focus is primarily on winning hockey games, as we haven't heard of any complaints from No. 17 concerning his reduced playing time. Simmonds has two helpers, six PIM and 11 missed shot attempts in the conference quarterfinals.

Flyers' Wayne Simmonds: Lights the lamp twice

Simmonds was playing well before he miss seven games with an injury, and it seems like he has regained that form. Over his last five games he's notched six points. While it may be hard for the winger to hit the 30-goal mark for the third season in a row (he has 23) he's still provided fantasy owners with another solid campaign.