Chris Simon was back practising with the New York Islanders on Wednesday in preparation for his return to action a week from Thursday, when his 30-game suspension concludes.

Simon received the lengthy banishment for stomping on the leg of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jarkko Ruutu during a game on Dec. 15.

Simon will accompany the Islanders to Toronto for their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre on Thursday. The beleaguered forward could have easily avoided the media throng by staying at home, but he apparently will face the music and conduct a scrum with Toronto-area reporters about his latest misstep.

While he was away from the Islanders, Simon underwent anger management counselling.