Anaheim Ducks Trade Deadline: Simon Despres (Defenseman)

Feb 7, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Simon Despres (47) skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

In the time leading up to the March 2nd NHL Trade Deadline, the Anaheim Ducks had a major perceived need on the blue-line. The Ducks had a nice core of young defensemen, with Hampus Lindholm, Cam Fowler, and Sami Vatanen, and the steady play of Francois Beauchemin has given a veteran presence on the blue-line.

However, the rest of the blue-line was not very strong. Clayton Stoner signed a four-year, $13 million contract as a free-agent in the offseason, but he’s been mostly unimpressive, even while playing third-pairing minutes. The trade for Eric Brewer was made in desperation (multiple injuries on defense), but he had been just as ineffective. Josh Manson impressed in limited action, but he had also gone through his share of growing pains in his first season of professional hockey at any level.

The trade deadline came, but as calls and deals were processed, the Ducks did end up dealing for a defenseman. However, it was not announced until after the 3:00 p.m. ET deadline (noon PT), as evidenced by this timestamp from TSN’s Bob McKenzie.

So, for the second time in the trade deadline week, the Ducks made a “hockey trade”, swapping players with term for one another. In this deal, the Ducks acquired young defenseman Simon Despres from the Pittsburgh Penguins for defenseman Ben Lovejoy.

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