For years, Simmonds was a highly consistent fantasy producer and was particularly useful in leagues that count hits. Now 30 years old, he isn't the goal-scorer he once was, but he should be able to bounce back, at least to an extent, with the Devils in 2019-20. After the trade from Philadelphia to Nashville at the deadline last season, the power forward scored just one goal and three points in 17 games with the Predators. Overall, Simmonds only managed 17 goals and 30 points with a minus-16 rating in 79 contests last campaign -- a sharp decline from the 24 goals and 46 points he notched in 2017-18. Simmonds is a career minus-62 player, so he'll likely once again be a liability in that regard, but he should be able to pot 20-plus goals while totaling 40-plus points, 80-plus PIM and 130-plus hits with New Jersey this campaign, especially if he's given a top-six role.
After years of consistent production, Simmonds disappointed fantasy owners in 2017-18. There was very little change in his shooting percentage -- less ice time and fewer shots explains his dropoff, and it was exacerbated by missing a handful of games because of injury. In the previous four seasons, Simmonds averaged 30 goals and 56 points, but last season he scored 24 goals and 46 points in 75 contests. Another troubling sign was his lack of playing time in the playoffs. Simmonds averaged 14:36 of ice time in six postseason games versus the Penguins, which was nearly four minutes less than his regular-season mark. One below-average season is not enough to completely avoid Simmonds on draft day, but owners need the assurance he's going to receive similar ice time to last season before drafting him as a mid-tier winger.
Few players around the league have been as consistently productive as Simmonds over the past few seasons, as he's ranged between 50 and 60 points for four consecutive campaigns, including 31 goals (his second straight year potting 30-plus pucks) and 23 helpers in 2016-17. However, the Flyers endured a trying season as a team, leading to the veteran's career-worst minus-18 rating. With no dramatic improvement having taken place in Philadelphia’s net, that may be an area of weakness for Simmonds again, but he's still one of the league's elite power-play weapons, having ripped off 20-plus man-advantage points for four straight campaigns, and fantasy owners in leagues that count PIM and hits enjoy Simmonds' year-in, year-out productivity in those categories as well. Still only 29 years old, Simmonds should have plenty more seasons left as a net-front weapon, though he only has two years left on his contract with the Flyers.
At this point, Simmonds may be the most beloved Flyer since Rod Brind’Amour. He does everything the Philadelphia fans could possibly ask of him – he hits, he fights, and he scores big goals, many of them on the power play. The Ontarian winger set new career marks with 32 goals, 229 shots, 192 hits and 147 PIM last year while hitting 60 points for the second time, and there seems to be no reason to think we’ll see much different in his age-28 campaign. In fantasy leagues that reward toughness, it’s hard to imagine a better player to own. Even if his hits and PIM don’t help you, though, Simmonds’ offensive output is plenty on its own. Just don’t look for much in the plus-minus column – he’s finished negative six years running.
Simmonds remained one of the league's more productive second-line and power-play snipers in 2014-15, scoring 28 goals, with an astounding 14 of those coming on the man advantage. In fact, after he tallied 15 power-play goals in 2013-14, Simmonds has now provided over half of his goal production on the power play in the last two years, making him a supreme asset in leagues where those type of markers are weighted more heavily. While his PIM total dipped down to 66, Simmonds compensated by raising his hit count from 132 to 168 and generally exhibiting more discipline in his first season as an assistant captain. Simmonds has been remarkably consistent as a scorer -- he's recorded 28, 29, and 28 goals in each of his three full seasons with the Flyers -- and his continued presence on one of the league's most productive power plays will ensure the feisty power forward is selected within the top 100 picks in just about any fantasy format.
Simmonds enters this season looking to prove to critics that his career-best showing in 2013-14 was not a one-time occurrence. His 29 goals and 31 assists were good for third on the team behind Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, and with Scott Hartnell's departure, his production will be relied on more than ever. Simmonds should be held in high regard heading into this season -- not only is he able to put the puck in the net, but he is also prolific in taking penalties and sees ample time on the power play. This triple threat will likely ensure that he goes within the top 50 in most fantasy leagues.
Simmonds collected 32 points, 82 penalty minutes, and two Gordie Howe hat tricks last season. The young winger has developed into a formidable offensive points-getter, and the PIMs are an added bonus. He's a solid value in most leagues, but especially in leagues that reward PIMs.
Simmonds played a full 82-game season for the Flyers in 2011 and produced a great balance of points and PIMs with 49 and 114, respectively, after coming over from Los Angeles in the Mike Richards trade. The 6-foot-2 winger is hoping to improve upon last season's career year of 28 goals if he can stay healthy. Simmonds has more value in leagues that reward penalty minutes and, with almost 200 shots on goal last year, he's worth remembering in most leagues, whether they count penalty minutes or not.
Simmonds joins the Flyers as part of the trade for Mike Richards. The 23-year-old is coming off a 30-point (14 G, 16 A) campaign, but much of his value comes from the 191 PIMs he's racked up over the past two seasons. His style of play should gel nicely in the Philly lineup.
Simmonds played his way up the lineup last year and it resulted in a fine season (16G, 24A and 116 PIMs). There's no reason why he can't become one of the game's best power forwards, especially if your league counts PIMs. Look for him to build off of last year's success as he'll benefit from the scoring depth of the Kings, even if he doesn't wind up skating on one of the team's top two scoring lines.
Simmonds saw some time on the team's second line as the season came to a close last year and opened some eyes. His overall totals (9 G, 14 A in 82 games) don't open any eyes but the 20-year old held us own at the NHL level and responded when given an increased role. He'll likely be back in a forechecking role with the Kings this season.
Simmonds is a big body (6'2") with a developing scoring touch. 75 points and 111 PIMs in 60 games in the OHL will certainly get you noticed and he earned himself a spot in the World Juniors for Team Canada. He'll spend another season in juniors refining his game this year and could be a similiar player to Dustin Brown or Brenden Morrow of the Stars down the road.
Simmonds was returned to the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL.
