The Anaheim Ducks traded D Ben Lovejoy to the Pittsburgh Penguins for D Simon Despres just as the 2015 trade deadline came to a close.
That’s what I get for trying to write and switching screens. Ducks sent Ben Lovejoy back to Pittsburgh for Simon Despres.
— Eric Stephens (@icemancometh) March 2, 2015
The undrafted Lovejoy is returning to where he began his NHL career in 2008-09. This season the veteran defenseman has 1 goal and 11 points in 40 games for the Pacific Division leading Anaheim Ducks. He was acquired by the Ducks, from the Penguins, last season. Lovejoy makes his return to Pittsburgh, where he has played the majority of his career.
Simon Despres was selected 30th overall in 2009 and has spent his whole career in Pittsburgh. This season he’s scored 2 goals and added 15 assists in 59 games. At 6’4”, Despres adds a bit more size to the Ducks blue line, which should benefit them in the physical Western Conference.
Both Lovejoy and Depres have one more left their respective contracts. Lovejoy’s salary is $1.1M, while Depres is going to cost the Ducks $900K.
This move is one of several, including trading for James Wisniewski and Korbinian Holzer that has made over the Anaheim Ducks defense today as they look forward to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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