New York – Forward Chris Simon, still serving a record 25-game NHL suspension for a two-handed, stick-swinging attack against the Rangers’ Ryan Hollweg last season, re-signed with the New York Islanders on Monday.
Simon, a former enforcer for the Avalanche, agreed to a one-year deal worth $475,000, but will be forced to sit out the first five games of the season. He can earn another $325,000 in bonuses based on games played.
The ban was the longest in terms of games missed in NHL history.
NHL
Bruins get center for goalie Toivonen
The Boston Bruins obtained center Carl Soderberg from the St. Louis Blues for goalie Hannu Toivonen.
Soderberg, 21, played the past two seasons with Malmo IF of the Swedish Elite League. Toivonen, 23, was 3-9-1 with a 4.23 goals-against average for Boston last season.
The Philadelphia Flyers signed goaltender Brian Boucher to a minor-league deal.
The Minnesota Wild avoided arbitration with defenseman Nick Schultz, signing him to a one-year deal three days before a scheduled hearing.
NBA
McDyess, Pistons agree to extension
The Detroit Pistons signed forward Antonio McDyess to a two-year contract extension, keeping the team’s top reserve off the free-agent market next summer.
The former Nuggets star, whose career once was in doubt because of knee operations, played in a career- high 82 games in each of the past two seasons. He has one season remaining on his current deal. McDyess averaged 8.1 points – making 53 percent of his shots – six rebounds and 21 minutes a game last season.
Lawrence Frank signed a multiyear contract extension with the New Jersey Nets, who have advanced to the playoffs each of the four seasons he has coached the team.
NBA commissioner David Stern said he plans to hold a news conference this morning, with former referee Tim Donaghy’s gambling habits at the top of the agenda.
Free-agent guard Morris Peterson signed with the Hornets, joining New Orleans after playing the first seven years of his career with the Toronto Raptors.
Forward Desmond Mason signed a two-year deal to return to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Guard Travis Diener, a little-used point guard with the Orlando Magic the past two seasons, signed a contract with the Indiana Pacers.
COLLEGES
BYU’s Tonga suspended for opener
Junior running back Manase Tonga, arrested during a traffic stop this month, will miss BYU’s season opener Sept. 1 against Arizona for violating team rules.
Texas-El Paso suspended receiver Tufick Shadrawy and linebacker Brian Wilkins indefinitely after the sophomores were charged with felonies related to a bar fight.
Montana offensive lineman J.D. Quinn, who transferred from Oklahoma after being kicked off the team there, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving. Montana coach Bobby Hauck didn’t release details of the junior’s arrest, saying only that disciplinary action will be taken.
Nebraska athletic director Steve Pederson agreed to terms of a five-year contract extension that will pay him $500,000 annually beginning next year and includes $50,000 for media appearances.
FOOTNOTES
Beckham doubtful for SuperLiga opener
David Beckham missed another training session with the Los Angeles Galaxy because of a nagging left ankle injury that left him doubtful for the team’s opening game in the SuperLiga tournament tonight in Carson, Calif.
China’s intelligence services are gearing up for next year’s Beijing Olympics, gathering information on foreigners who might mount protests and spoil the nation’s moment in the spotlight. Government spy agencies and think tanks are compiling lists of potentially troublesome foreign organizations, looking beyond the human rights groups long critical of Beijing, security experts and a consultant familiar with the effort said.
NASCAR driver Carl Edwards was released from an Omaha hospital after being injured Sunday night in a dirt track race in nearby Greenwood, a hospital spokeswoman said. Details of the injury were not immediately available, but Edwards’ younger brother, Kenny Edwards, told the Omaha World-Herald it could be a dislocated thumb, caught in the steering wheel during a crash.
Belmont Stakes winner Rags to Riches appeared sound after a preliminary examination, but trainer Todd Pletcher said a “complete physical” is needed to determine whether the filly will run next month in the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga.
