Simon Signs One-Year Deal With Islanders

[BGDDYKWL]

The New York Islanders have re-signed left wing Chris Simon to a one-year contract. Entering his 15 th year in the NHL in 2007-08, Simon played in 67 games for the Islanders in 2006-07 and had ten goals with 17 assists for 27 points.

"Chris is just one of those old school guys who gave our team a little bit of everything last season," said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan, who coached Simon in junior hockey with Sault Ste. Marie. "We can't overstate Si's leadership. He'll have a big role with our team, just like last season."

Last season Simon's point production was his best since 2001-02 when he scored 31 points in 82 games for the Washington Capitals. In 744 career NHL games, Simon has scored 143 goals with 159 assists for 302 points and 1,765 penalty minutes.

"I take a lot of pride in being an Islander and I didn't consider playing anywhere else this season but on Long Island," said Simon. "Everyone knows the respect I have for Ted Nolan but it goes well beyond that. Everyone connected with the Islanders, from the owner to the fans, have been first-class. I cannot wait to get the season started."

The 35-year old Simon won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996. He has played for Quebec/Colorado, Washington, Chicago, the Rangers and Calgary in his NHL career. In 73 playoff games, Simon has scored ten goals with seven assists for 17 points.

"Our staff was unanimous in wanting to bring Chris Simon back," said general manager Garth Snow. "He's an outstanding leader and year after year he contributes on the offensive end."

[cottonzway]

I am kind of bumed the Flyers didn't sign him if he only signed for $475K. The whole reason why I didn't even consider Simon was based on money because I was sure he was still going to get above the $800k the Flyers had to offer on the cap.

[Podollan]

It sucks that he will stay with the Isles, since they are very weak and a real enforcer like Brennan would be entertainent.
But well 475 $ is a steal...He just loves to play under Nolan I guess.

[OilersHockey]

Great to see him continue in the league... He can go with anyone, and he's definitely one of the more skilled heavies...

I'd just love to see him more active...

[danski]

I was also hoping the Flyers would pick him up. I guess they're gonna go w/Cote. So where does this leave Brennan...in B'port probably. At least they won't be as boring as the past couple of years.

[nyislesfan45]

The isles have decent space on the roster, brennan wont be up a ton but he'll see a few games im sure. Hopefully simon is a bit more active.

[Colt Seavers]

Simon must consider Nolan his second father. One hell of a paycut-considering he signed the previous season for $1 mil. I dont expect him to fight much more than last season. Maybe Billy Guerin can find get this guy motivated up to another notch!

[Isles4life]

Originally Posted by rjman48

Simon must consider Nolan his second father. One hell of a paycut-considering he signed the previous season for $1 mil. I dont expect him to fight much more than last season. Maybe Billy Guerin can find get this guy motivated up to another notch!

IF this turns out to be true, because the Islanders are usually tripping over themselves to announce unimportant roster moves, I'm real glad they're paying him so little. He doesn't deserve typical NHL-level money for his pathetic campaign last year. It's too bad he's going to be back, while we let Asham walk who actually looks like he's giving an effort on the ice. At least he won't take up any cap room, not that we're particularly tight at the moment I believe.

[canuck2]

He is an ageing player who is not capable of much. But he can still chip in with some goals and some fights. And that is saying more then most players in the current NHL. What would be better some crappy Euro dude who wont check or drop the gloves?

I understand the native connection and loyalty between Nolan and Simon since I grew up in the area they grew up in. Simon is a thowback hockey player and I give him lots of respect.

[PuckHogs29]

I don't dislike Simon, like most here I'm just disappointed at his lack of activity and seeming disinterest in sticking up for his teammates. As people have said though, the Isles roster is so light right now there's potential room for Simon and a willing fighter. So who knows how this will all play out. Either way, wether he fights 5 times or 25 times, the league is better with Chris Simon around for one more year instead of some potential second liner who's on the 3rd or 4th line to "balance out the scoring" instead of doing what those guys traditionally do(hit, fight, annoy the bejesus out of the other team).

[5 Minute Major]

Wow, cant believe how cheap they re-signed him for. Simon only gets the 475k, thats less then half what he made last year. Last year he made 1 mill. You think his salary has anything to do with his actions last year? Suprised he signed on the Isles for that price, I'm sure there had to be better offers then that from other teams. It looks to me that he took a huge paycut just to stay with Nolan.

[Colt Seavers]

Dallas Drake is getting paid more $ (550,000) than Simon is. Compare the 2 players and their potential contributions for each others teams. Kind of a slap in Simons face!

[Purely_Purinton]

Chris is just lucky to still have a career after his stunt last year. I'm sure he's made enough over his career that a "measley" 475K will suffice, and maybe if he proves that he's not criminally insane and that he can still play hockey, prolong retirement another couple of seasons.

If only McSorely had been so lucky to be offered 475K.

[5 Minute Major]

That really is a slap in the face to Simon(not that I care).I guess he's lucky he still has a job after his actions last year.

Why would Simon a 13 year vet sign for the league minimum at 475K, when he got 1 mill last year? 475k is what guys like the Godards are getting. Also Guys like Tood Fedoruk got 800k, Something dosen't sound right here.
There is something behind this that we dont just dont know. 475k is nothing to Chris Simon he could have pulled down something closer to 1mill in the open market IMO because of his ability to actually play the game and fight when needed.

Whats the real reason for Simon to sign for the league minimum.

A- After the incident last year no other teams wanted him?(I dont think thats the case because rumors during free agency has it that there were other teams interested in singing Simon, I'm sure he had to have gotton better offers from other teams)

B- Simon considers Nolan a father to him, these 2 have such a strong bond between each other, since juniors. Did Simon take this huge pay cut to stay with Nolan because of the Nolan-Simon bond.

C- Took a hometown discount to stay with the Islanders.(I dont think so, I think it's more the Nolan factor)

I chose B because of the fact Chris Simon could have got something closer to 1mill in the open market IMO because of his ability to actually play the game and fight when needed. IMO he took a huge pay cut to stay with Ted Nolan.

I am shocked he would sign a contract for the league minimum compared to what other players who fill his role are getting, it's very rare you get a fighter that can play actually take a regular shift like Simon,Brashear,Laraque. I for sure thought Simon would have commanded somewhere around 1 mill like he got last year, but wow the league minimum.

[nyisles15]

Goodie gumdrops!!