Islanders' Simon takes paid leave
NEW YORK -- Chris Simon took a paid leave from the New York Islanders on Monday, agreeing with the team that he needed time away from hockey following his latest penalty for attempting to injure an opponent.
Simon missed the first five games of this season while completing a 25-game ban -- his sixth NHL suspension -- meted out in March. He could be in line for another long penalty after he took down and stepped on Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu last weekend.
"The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for," team owner Charles Wang said in a statement. "They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against our team concept of grit, character and heart.
"We know Chris as a respected teammate and as a gracious man away from the playing surface and believe strongly that he has earned our continued support. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the team and give him the counseling he needs and the compassion he deserves. When Chris is completely ready, he will be a member of our team again."
Simon met with Wang, general manager Garth Snow and coach Ted Nolan during practice Monday, and they agreed the 35-year-old left wing should seek help. That group then spoke with captains Bill Guerin, Mike Sillinger and Brendan Witt and goalie Rick DiPietro before a team meeting.
"We discussed the measures we have to take," Nolan said. "Chris is very remorseful and very sorry for his actions. As an organization, we don't condone it. We don't appreciate the thing he did. On the flip side, we have to have some compassion, some understanding and some support."
The NHL hasn't held a disciplinary hearing yet and no announcement on a suspension was expected Monday.
Late in New York's loss to the Penguins, with the Islanders trailing 3-2, Simon drew a match penalty when he pulled out Ruutu's leg with his, sending the forward to his knees between the team benches. Simon then stepped on the back of Ruutu's leg with his skate.
Simon was ejected and the Islanders were a man short for all but the final 54 seconds of the loss.
"There is no excuse for my actions … and I apologize to everyone involved," he said in a statement. "The Islanders and I agree that the right thing to do is for me to take some time away from the team."
Simon also apologized last season after he retaliated for a hit from Ryan Hollweg by striking the New York Rangers forward in the face and neck with a two-handed stick swing.
Simon had 10 goals and 17 assists in 67 games last season but has managed only 1 goal and 2 assists in 26 games this season -- his 15th in the NHL. He has 51 penalty minutes.