Despres Heading Back To AHL

Simon Despres is heading back to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after the Pittsburgh Penguins were eliminated from playoff contention yesterday.

The Penguins announced today that Despres, Brian Strait, and Eric Tangradi have been sent to the Baby Penguins who are taking on the Hershey Bears in the opening round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Pens currently hold a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Despres played with Pittsburgh for Games 4, 5, and 6 of their first round series versus the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers won the series in six games. 

“Despres, 20, went scoreless with a plus-2 rating while averaging 9:18 minutes in three playoff games after making his NHL playoff debut in Game 4,” states the Penguins website. “During the regular season, Despres played in 18 games with Pittsburgh, tallying four points (1G-3A) and a plus-5 rating.”

In 44 games at the American Hockey League level this season, the ‘Big Horse’ had five goals and 10 helpers. He was recently named the Baby Penguins' Rookie of the Year. 

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s playoff series continues on Wednesday in Hershey.