Chris Simon of the New York Islanders in a game earlier this year

In the National Hockey League, New York Islanders forward Chris Simon has been banned for 30 games - the longest suspension in NHL history - for stepping on an opposing player during a game last Saturday.

The Islanders player missed the first five games of this season as he completed a 25-game ban that started last March. That was the previous record for an NHL suspension, but now his new ban holds that dubious mark. This is the seventh time in Simon's career that he has been suspended for on-the-ice activities.

The 35-year-old Simon drew a penalty when he tripped Pittsburgh's Jarkko Ruutu and then stepped on the back of Ruttu's leg with his skate. Simon was ejected from the game, which New York lost, 3-2.

Simon went on a paid leave of absence Monday to receive counseling and met with the league's disciplinary head Colin Campbell Tuesday. Islanders' general manager Garth Snow said the team is going to provide Simon the time he needs to get counseling and support.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.