History of Chris Simon in Timeline

Christopher J. Simon was a Canadian professional ice hockey player known for his aggressive style. He played as a left winger in the NHL and KHL. Throughout his NHL career, he was suspended eight times, totaling 65 games, due to his aggressive play.

January 30, 1972: Chris Simon is Born

On January 30, 1972, Christopher J. Simon, a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger known for his aggressive playing style, was born.

1987: Simon Joins Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds

In 1987, as a Bantam, Chris Simon began his junior hockey career playing for the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds of the NOJHL.

1988: Simon Drafted by Ottawa 67's

Chris Simon was selected in the third round of the 1988 OHL Priority Selection by the Ottawa 67's, marking a significant step in his hockey journey.

1990: Simon Suspended for Slashing Incident

During the 1990–91 OHL season, Chris Simon received a 12-game suspension for a slashing incident that caused significant injuries to David Babcock, highlighting his early struggles with on-ice aggression.

1990: Simon Drafted by Philadelphia Flyers, Traded to Quebec Nordiques

In 1990, Chris Simon was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers but was quickly traded to the Quebec Nordiques as part of the Eric Lindros trade. This marked his entry into the NHL, though he didn't play for the Flyers.

1992: Simon Achieves Sobriety

In 1992, Chris Simon, who had struggled with alcohol addiction as a teenager, achieved sobriety with the help of future NHL coach Ted Nolan, marking a turning point in his personal life.

1996: Simon Wins Stanley Cup with Avalanche

Chris Simon achieved a major career milestone in 1996 by winning the Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche, solidifying his place in hockey history. Notably, he shared the Cup with his hometown of Wawa, Ontario, and even took it on a fishing trip with his grandfather.

November 8, 1997: Simon Suspended for Racial Slur

On November 8, 1997, Chris Simon was suspended for three games after directing a racial slur towards Edmonton Oilers' Mike Grier during a game, highlighting a significant controversy in his career. While the exact words were never confirmed, this incident led to Simon apologizing to Grier, who accepted. Interestingly, they later became teammates for a short period in 2002 with the Washington Capitals.

December 1998: Simon Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

In December 1998, Chris Simon underwent season-ending shoulder surgery, marking a setback in his hockey career.

1999: Simon Leads Capitals in Goal Scoring

Despite facing challenges, Chris Simon emerged as the leading goal scorer for the Washington Capitals in the 1999–2000 season, demonstrating his resilience and offensive capabilities.

April 13, 2000: Simon Suspended for Cross-Checking Popovic

Chris Simon received a one-game suspension during the 2000 Stanley Cup playoffs for cross-checking Pittsburgh Penguins' Peter Popovic, adding to his list of disciplinary actions.

2000: Simon Leads Capitals in Goal Scoring

Chris Simon finished the 1999-2000 season as the leading goal scorer for the Capitals.

2000: Marty McSorley Receives One-Year Suspension

In 2000, Marty McSorley received a one-year suspension, a significant disciplinary action in NHL history, though he only served 23 games before leaving the league.

April 5, 2001: Simon Suspended for Elbowing Eriksson

On April 5, 2001, Chris Simon received a two-game suspension for elbowing Anders Eriksson, highlighting his continued struggles with on-ice discipline.

2002: Simon and Grier Become Teammates

Despite their past conflict, Chris Simon and Mike Grier became teammates on the Washington Capitals in 2002, demonstrating a degree of reconciliation after the 1997 incident.

2004: Simon Reaches Stanley Cup Finals with Flames

Chris Simon's pursuit of the Stanley Cup continued in 2004 as he reached the finals with the Calgary Flames, showcasing his consistent presence in high-stakes games.

2004: Simon Suspended for Cross-Checking and Punching Fedotenko, Kneeing Zubov

In 2004, Chris Simon faced two separate two-game suspensions for incidents involving cross-checking and punching Tampa Bay Lightning's Ruslan Fedotenko and kneeing Dallas Stars' Sergei Zubov. These actions further cemented his reputation for aggressive play and disciplinary issues.

2006: Simon Signs with New York Islanders

In 2006, Chris Simon entered a new chapter in his NHL career by signing as a free agent with the New York Islanders, continuing his journey through different teams.

March 8, 2007: Simon Strikes Hollweg with Stick

On March 8, 2007, Chris Simon was involved in a controversial incident during a game against the New York Rangers. After being checked into the boards by Ryan Hollweg, Simon retaliated with a two-handed swing of his hockey stick, striking Hollweg in the face. This action resulted in Simon receiving a match penalty and ejection from the game, while Hollweg sustained a cut requiring stitches.

December 15, 2007: Simon Suspended for Stomping on Ruutu's Leg

On December 15, 2007, Chris Simon's history of on-ice aggression continued as he was involved in another incident, this time stomping on the leg of Pittsburgh Penguins player Jarkko Ruutu. This action led to a match penalty, ejection from the game, and a subsequent 30-game suspension, one of the longest in NHL history for an on-ice incident. After the suspension, he played one more game with the Islanders before being traded to the Minnesota Wild.

2007: Simon Suspended for Remainder of Season

Following his stick-swinging incident with Ryan Hollweg, Chris Simon was suspended indefinitely by the NHL in 2007. This suspension eventually covered the rest of the season, including the playoffs, and extended into the following season. Although there were considerations of criminal charges, none were filed.

March 12, 2008: Pronger Stomps on Kesler's Leg

On March 12, 2008, Chris Pronger stomped on Ryan Kesler's leg during a game, sparking controversy and raising questions about disciplinary action in the NHL.

March 15, 2008: Pronger Suspended for Eight Games

Following a review of the incident involving Chris Pronger stomping on Ryan Kesler's leg, the NHL handed down an eight-game suspension on March 15, 2008. This decision was notable in light of Chris Simon's previous complaints about perceived inconsistencies in NHL disciplinary actions.

2015: Raffi Torres Receives 41-Game Suspension

In 2015, Raffi Torres was given a 41-game suspension, the longest suspension for an on-ice incident in modern NHL history at the time.

2017: Simon and His Second Wife Divorce

In 2017, Chris Simon and his second wife, Valerie, divorced after having four children together, marking a significant change in his personal life.

2017: Simon Files for Bankruptcy

In 2017, Chris Simon filed for bankruptcy, citing his hockey injuries as a barrier to work and highlighting the long-term impact of his career. Medical testimony suggested that he might be suffering from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) due to repeated head trauma. He also reported struggling with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and arthritis.