Simmonds. coming off abdominal surgery, and Sean Couturier (knee) participated in the first day of camp and are progressing well. Ditto goalie Brian Elliott (abdominal surgery). All are expected to play late in the preseason schedule. … Simmonds and his agent are having conversations about a contract extension. "I'm not going to discuss contract talk with you guys," Simmonds, who is in the final year of his pact, told reporters. "I don't want it to be a distraction or anything, so I'm just going to leave it at that." … Injured defensemen Andrew MacDonald and Samuel Morin skated before the players in camp went on the ice. MacDonald is expected to miss the first two weeks of the season, and Morin isn't expected to play until February. … Camp resumes Saturday in Voorhees at 9:15 a.m. … The Flyers will open their exhibition season Sunday afternoon against the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum. Hasktol will play two goalies, but said he wouldn't divulge them until Saturday.