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Player's Profile

  • Name: Ben Lovejoy
  • Position: D
  • Shoots: Right
  • Height: 6-2
  • Weight: 214 lbs
  • Birthdate: 1984-02-20
  • Eligible for Draft: 2002
  • Drafted:
  • Hometown: Concord, New Hampshire
  • Acquired: Free agent, 2008
  • Playing In: Pro

Ben Lovejoy

Prospect Grade: 6.0 A  (About Prospect Grades)

Profile Contributed By: HF Staff

History

2007-08: Signed a one-year contract with the AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Played solidly on the defensive side of the puck, with a team-leading plus/minus, and despite a goal drought that lasted through much of the season, he showed some offensive ability during the Calder Cup Playoffs and seemed to be jumping into the rush at every presented opportunity.

Signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh in 2008 after a successful season with their AHL affiliate.

August 2008 Q&A with Lovejoy.

2008-09: Spent the bulk of the season in the AHL where he posted 7 goals and 24 assists in 76 games but more notably, a plus-42. Saw 2 games of NHL action as well where he was held pointless but held his own in a third-pairing role. The Penguins extended Lovejoy a contract extension at the end of the season.

2009-10: After a sub-par training camp, Lovejoy started the season in the AHL where he finished with 9 goals and 20 assists in 65 games and took on a greater leadership role on the team. He also saw more than a cup of coffee in the NHL, appearing in 12 games, posting 3 assists, and playing a steady two-way game as a third-pairing defenseman. At the end of the season the Penguins rewarded Lovejoy with a three-year deal, the last two years of the deal guaranteeing him an NHL salary wherever he plays.

Talent Analysis

A talented two-way defenseman, Lovejoy is known for his sound positional play and good puck-handling.  He is a strong skater with a good first step, lateral, and backward movement. While primarily a defensive player, Lovejoy is capable of leading the rush, and pinching in the offensive zone to keep the play alive. He has a crisp first pass and plays the game with good composure.

Although he is not known for bone-crunching checks, Lovejoy does play a gritty game. He is more than willing to get into shooting lanes to block shots, and will not hesitate to stick up for teammates.  

Future

Will start the 2010-11 season as the 6th or 7th defensemen for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Stats

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Profile Last Updated: October, 6th 2010

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