Simmonds has developed into an elite power forward, and captain Claude Giroux called him "the heart and soul of our team." But Simmonds, who is coming off his lowest goal output (24) in his six full seasons with the Flyers, will turn 30 on Aug. 26 and can be an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2019.
Last season, Simmonds played through a torn pelvis sustained before training camp, as well as a pulled groin muscle, a broken ankle and torn ligaments in his thumb.
Simmonds said he wants to finish his career in Philadelphia, and talks between his agent and the Flyers are ongoing. It's likely Simmonds wants a sizable raise from the $3.97 million average annual value on the six-year contract extension he signed Aug. 16, 2012.
"We like [Simmonds]," Hextall said. " Whether we can (sign him) or not, I don't have the answer to that."