DESPRES IMPRESSING AT PENS CAMP

Simon Despres, the Saint John Sea Dogs prized possession, has been impressing everybody at Pittsburgh Penguins camp. The "big horse," as he is referred to by his teamates, was selected with the last pick of the first round by the defending Stanley Cup champions in this summer's entry draft.

"You can see he has the structure in his game, the skills, to be an NHL defenseman, for sure," general manager Ray Shero told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette last Friday. To view the entire article click HERE.

Despres was also featured in the weekly Hockey News Hot List. The honor makes Despres the second Sea Dog of the short season to be put on the list. He joins Tomas Jurco.

6. Simon Despres, D – Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL): There may have been questions about Despres’ commitment in the past, but based on his skating and puckhandling at the Kitchener rookie tournament, there is a bright future ahead for the 6-foot-4, 205-pound blueliner. The Pens just keep piling ’em up, don’t they? Drafted 30th overall by Pittsburgh in 2009.

To view the entire THN Hot List click HERE.

Pittsburgh Penguins line-up for tonights game vs Columbus Blue Jackets

Kunitz-Crosby-Tangradi

Dupuis-Staal-Fedotenko

Conner-Jeffrey-Bayda

Sill-Vitale-Godard

Despres/Gonchar

Eaton/Engelland

McKee/Bortuzzo

Fleury

Thiessen