Not to sound too cavalier about what seems like a genuine anger management issue, but who is the guy who gave Rick DiPietro a $67.5 million contract to be recommending counseling for anyone else? Newsday’s Katie Strang on the latest incident involving LW Chris Simon.
The Islanders released a statement after practice Monday that left wing Chris Simon would be taking some time away from the team. Simon received a match penalty after attempting to stomp Penguins left wing Jarkko Ruutu’ s foot in Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh.
“The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against out team concept of grit, character, and heart,” said Islanders owner Charles Wang, in a statement released after practice. “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.”
Although the league has yet to rule on the incident, Simon’s likely suspension will be his seventh. Simon most recently completed a 25-game suspension Oct. 13, the longest suspension in league history, after a two-stick attack against Rangers center Ryan Hollweg last March.