Player's Profile
Picture Courtesy of Holly Gunning
- Name: Simon Despres
- Position: D
- Shoots: Left
- Height: 6-4
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Birthdate: 1991-07-27
- Eligible for Draft: 2009
- Drafted: 2009
- Hometown: Laval, Quebec
- Acquired: 1st round (30th overall), 2009
- Playing In: Pro
Simon Despres
Prospect Grade: 8.0 C (About Prospect Grades)
Profile Contributed By: HF Staff
History
2007-08: This marked Despres’ first season in the QMJHL with the Saint John Sea Dogs being his club of choice. The defender appeared in 64 games with the Sea Dogs, and his play brought about 14 points (1g+13a). In 14 playoff games, the D-man added four helpers to his season total.
2008-09: In his second season with Saint John, Despres had a productive summer. As a result of the hard work he put in, he saw his ability, and number, rise this season. More than doubling his output from last year, the defenseman managed to record 32 points (2g+30a) in 66 games.
HF's pre-draft feature on Despres.
2009-10: After opening eyes with his fluid skating and poise with the puck, the Penguins signed Despres to an entry-level deal and assigned him to the QMJHL. In the Q, he was among the top defensemen, posting 9 goals and 38 points in 63 games. He also showed a great level of poise during the Sea Dogs playoff run, posting 2 goals and 17 assists in 21 games.
2010-11: With seven defensemen already on NHL contracts, the Penguins returned Despres to the QMJHL for his overage season. The defenseman clearly benefitted from the additional time in the CHL as he managed 13 goals, and 28 assists, and a plus-29 in only 47 games. Making those stats all the more impressive is the fact he was primarily matched against the opposition's top forwards. Despres also had an impressive playoff run with St. John, managing 4 goals and 8 assists in 19 games while providing a steadying presence from the blue line.
Talent Analysis
Despres possesses the size, skill, and hockey IQ to make opposing forwards lives miserable. Over the past season he has continued to physically mature, and is now a chiseled 6'4 and 215 pounds.
Of Despres large skill-package, it his skating ability that is among his greatest asset. He is a strong and fluid skater who is as effective moving forward as he is skating laterally or backward. He is also smooth in his stops and turns and can use his wingspan to smother opposing forwards.
If there is a knock on the young defensemen it is that he does not play with enough physicality. While he will never be mistaken for Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik, the young defenseman has shown a willingness to block shots, and clear the front of the net.
Offensively, the defenseman's upside is still largely unknown. He can smoothly move the puck up ice and distribute it to teammates. His shot has also vastly improved over the past season. Still, he tends to not take too many risks on the blue line.
Future
Despres will play the next season in the AHL.
Stats
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Profile Last Updated: September, 6th 2011
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