Uniondale, NY (Best E Casino) - The New York Islanders gave troubled forward Chris Simon a new start on Tuesday when they traded him to the Minnesota Wild.

In exchange, the Islanders received a 2008 sixth-round draft pick.

Known more for his tough-guy streak than point-producing ability, Simon has played in two contests since serving an NHL-record 30-game ban for purposely stepping on the leg of Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu on December 15.

Simon was assessed a match penalty and a game misconduct for intent to injure during the third period of that contest. He was called to an in-person hearing in Toronto and the suspension was handed down by NHL vice president Colin Campbell.

Unfortunately, it was not Simon's first lengthy suspension in the league.

Late last season, the 15-year veteran was suspended 25 games for a stick- swinging incident against Ryan Hollweg of the Rangers, a penalty that carried into this season. He has also served a total of 15 games for six different previous suspensions involving incidents such as kneeing, cross-checking, elbowing and slashing.

The 36-year-old Simon has one goal, two assists and 43 penalty minutes in 28 games this year. He has 144 goals, 161 assists, 305 points and 1,808 penalty minutes in 772 career contests with Quebec/Colorado, Washington, Chicago, Calgary, the New York Rangers and Islanders.

Simon gives the Wild a bit of a mean streak, as the club also has Derek Boogaard and Todd Fedoruk on the roster. Boogaard has 52 PIM in 25 games this year, while Fedoruk has totaled 103 in 49 games.