This one broke during the game last night but I figured it could wait till the morning:
The Penguins have signed first-round draft pick Simon Depres to a three-year, entry-level contract. An 18-year-old defenseman, Depres will continue to play with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The Penguins were pleased with his performance during training camp, but Depres is considered around three years away from joining the Penguins.
If you had a chance to catch preseason play than you likely saw Despres in action. I think signing him to an entry-level deal is a no-brainer. The kid showed some poise out there for a rookie. He threw his body down to block a shot or two and showed some decent chemistry with Kris Letang as his defensive partner. There's no question that the Pens are hoping this guy can step in as a big blue liner for the Pens in the future. Right after he got drafted up in Montreal I asked him what he most needed to work on and improve if he wanted to make the NHL. He said he had to start shooting more and gaining more confidence in his shot. No complaints here.
Not that he could've really done much to help the Penguins' scoring issues against the Coyotes last night. No one can get it going when it feels the PK is getting more ice time than your top line.
But enough of that. Flyers tonight. More to come later today.