Simon signs contract to play for Russian team next season

Carlos Gonzalez, Star Tribune

Chris Simon

Last update: May 19, 2008 - 12:22 AM

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Chris Simon's NHL career might have ended when this past season did, but his hockey career hasn't.

Simon, acquired in February by the Wild in a much-maligned trade with the Islanders, has signed to play next season in Russia with Vityaz Podolsk Chekhov.

Simon, 36, had no points and 16 penalty minutes in 10 regular-season games with the Wild and scored no points in two playoff games.

Simon was suspended 30 games this past season for stomping down on Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu's leg. The incident came nine months after Simon was suspended 25 games for slashing the Rangers' Ryan Hollweg in the face.

Simon has 144 goals, 161 assists and 1,824 penalty minutes in 782 NHL games.

MICHAEL RUSSO

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