January 29, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ben Lovejoy (6) handles the puck against the New York Islanders during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The New York Islanders won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
In the midst of the Anaheim Ducks game tonight against the Colorado Avalanche, it was announced that the Ducks acquired defenseman Ben Lovejoy from the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Ducks exchanged a fifth-round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft for the defenseman.
The 28-year-old defenseman has appeared in just three games with the Penguins so far. He has five years of NHL experience and is listed at 6’2″-215 lbs. He is a big, mobile defenseman that uses his frame to his advantage. He has some offensive ability, but won’t blow you away with stats. He has been criticized about his physical play. Also, he has been known to struggle with a lack of confidence. He has not dressed since late January when he was hit hard by Colin McDonald of the New York Islanders that resulted in a two-game suspension for McDonald.
What this trade means to me is that they are more concerned about Cam Fowler‘s health than they originally thought. The blue line would need some help if Fowler was out for a significant period of time. I don’t want Jordan Hendry playing every night, no offense to him. Lovejoy has more NHL experience and even though he has struggled with confidence, he has always been a solid defenseman on a very good Pittsburgh team. I like this move and it could really help the Ducks in the playoff race with the added depth on the blue line.