New York Islanders sign veteran Chris Simon to $1-million US, one-year deal


Ted Nolan and Chris Simon are back together after 14 years.

The New York Islanders have signed the rugged winger to a $1-million US, one-year deal. As a member of the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 1991-92, Simon was coached by Nolan, who recently took over as head coach of the Islanders. "I was extremely interested in coming to the Islanders and I'm very happy things worked out," Simon said in a release Tuesday. "I've known Ted for a long time and I'm so excited about having him as my coach again."

Simon, 34, recorded eight goals and 14 assists with 94 penalty minutes in 72 games with the Calgary Flames last season while earning $1.216 million.

"Chris brings so much experience and so many intangibles to the Islanders," said Isles GM Neil Smith. "He's been one of the game's most respected leaders and effective role players for more than a decade. As he proved in Calgary by averaging around 12 minutes a game, he still has plenty of hockey left in him."

Simon has 133 goals, 142 assists and 1,690 penalty minutes in 677 career games with Quebec/Colorado, Washington, Chicago, the New York Rangers and Calgary. He won a Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 1996.