BREAKING: RANGERS Announces the passing top enforcer at 52

Chris Simon, a former NHL player known for his fighting during his time with the Rangers and Islanders, has passed away at 52, as announced by the NHL Alumni Association. The exact cause of his death has not been confirmed.

The New York Islanders expressed their sympathy for Chris Simon’s family and friends, describing him as a true representation of the Islanders spirit, showing immense dedication both on the ice and within the community.

The veteran player, with 15 years of experience, was well-known as an enforcer in the NHL. Throughout his career spanning from 1992 to 2008, he engaged in 101 fights and amassed 1,824 penalty minutes across 782 games. He was also part of the Stanley Cup-winning Avalanche team in 1996.

Among the eight suspensions he received during his career, two stood out as some of the longest in NHL history. One was a 25-game suspension, incurred while playing for the Islanders, for striking Rangers forward Ryan Hollweg in the face with a two-handed swing of his stick on March 25, 2007, a penalty that extended over two seasons. The other notable suspension was a 30-game ban for deliberately stomping on Jarkko Ruutu’s leg during a game against the Penguins on December 15, 2007.