NEW YORK — Chris Simon took a paid leave from the New York Islanders, agreeing with the team that he needed time away from hockey following his latest penalty for attempting to injure an opponent.

He took down and stepped on Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu last weekend.

Simon met with owner Charles Wang, general manager Garth Snow and coach Ted Nolan during practice and they agreed the 35-year-old left wing should seek help. That group then spoke with captains Bill Guerin, Mike Sillinger and Brendan Witt and goalie Rick DiPietro before a team meeting.