Defenseman Simon Despres signed a five year, $18.5M contract extension with the Anaheim Ducks during the summer of 2015. A series of debilitating concussion over the next two seasons led Anaheim to buy out his contract last June. This week Montreal offered Despres a second chance at the NHL.
Origins
He had a successful two year run in the Juniors with the Saint John Sea Dogs, and a selection to Canada’s U-18 team. That led to his rating as one of the top North American skaters in the 2009 NHL Entry draft. The Pittsburgh Penguins selected him in the first round, 30th overall.