Despres Traded To Ducks

Former Sea Dogs defenseman Simon Despres is heading to California.

The Pittsburgh Penguins traded Despres to the Anaheim Ducks this afternoon in exchange for Ben Lovejoy.

Despres, first-round pick of the Penguins in the 2009 NHL Draft, registered five goals and 28 assists in 143 career games with the NHL club. This season, the 23-year old has recorded two goals and 15 assists in 58 games.

The Sea Dogs selected Despres with the first overall pick in the 2007 QMJHL Entry Draft. In 240 career games with Saint John, the Laval native had 25 goals and 109 assists in 240 games. He added six goals and 33 assists in 58 playoff matches.

Former Sea Dogs d-man Kevin Gagne is currently with Anaheim’s AHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals.

The NHL’s trading period ended this afternoon.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation