Talent Analysis

Despres possesses a blend of size and swift, fluid skating ability that makes him a special defensive prospect. He is also very unique in the sense that while his overall upside is largely unknown, particularly on the offensive side of the puck, he already has the frame, skating, and mental ability to play at the NHL level.

"Simon is interesting in the aspect that as a junior player, [he had] the abilities to do everything on the ice," said Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma. "As he turns pro, he is juggling where he fits in terms of being able to add offense, jump into the play, take risk if that's what his offensive game might be, and then be real solid defensively."

Not known as a particularly physical player at the junior level, Despres demonstrated in his first professional season a willingness to throw around his huge frame, particularly in delivering bone-crunching hip checks.


Future

Though he is physically ready to play a top-six role at the NHL level, the Penguins have a logjam of NHL defensemen and consequentially Despres could start the 2012-13 season in the AHL. Ultimately, he has the upside to be an all situation defender capable of playing 25 minutes a game.