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Simon Rejects Penguins Invite to Camp, Heads Home to Czech League

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Pittsburgh Penguins, Dominik Simon

His Anaheim Ducks hockey bag in tow during the announcement video, Czech Elite League team Sparta Praha announced they signed former Pittsburgh Penguins winger Dominik Simon to a contract.

Penguins fans who wail and gnash their teeth at the thought of Simon in the Penguins lineup should like to know that Simon said he declined an offer from the team to attend training camp. It was while he was waiting for offers that he realized he wanted to return home to Prague.

Per the Sparta release, Simon, 28, said, “Pittsburgh offered me a camp, but while I was waiting I realized that I would actually like to be at home in Prague and in an environment that I know well. I’m glad that we agreed and I can play in Sparta. I feel very good here.”

On Friday, Zach Aston-Reese signed a PTO with the Toronto Maple Leafs. At the NHL trade deadline, the Penguins traded Aston-Reese and Simon (also a second-round pick and prospect goalie Calle Clang) to the Ducks for Rickard Rackell

In parts of six seasons, Dominik Simon played in 228 games with the Penguins. He scored 73 points (22-51-73) during those six seasons. He scored nine points last season, including three goals.