Penguins trade Simon Despres to Anaheim for Ben Lovejoy

Pit trades Simon Depres for Ben Lovejoy #NHLTrade

— Mark Spector (@SportsnetSpec) March 2, 2015

The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-acquired Ben Lovejoy from the Anaheim Ducks. Ever since the Penguins added defenseman Ian Cole today (in exchange for Robert Bortuzzo), Pittsburgh beat writers and national media figures like Darren Dreger kept saying that the team was finalizing another deal to add another defenseman. And they got it done- even though the deal was announced after the 3:00 PM deadline, the call was made just before.

Lovejoy signed with the Penguins as an undrafted free agent in 2008 and was with the team until February 2013 when they dealt him to Anaheim for a 5th round draft pick. Ironically, at that time the Pens kept Bortuzzo over Lovejoy and now today they end up trading Bortuzzo out and bringing Lovejoy back.

Lovejoy is signed for next season at a $1.1 million cap hit. Despres, a former 1st round draft in 2009, has fit in well with the Pens 3rd defensive pair with Rob Scuderi this season. This deal gives the Pens an extra right-handed shot, but seemingly is a step back on pure talent.