Penguins' Defenseman Simon Despres Finally Realizing His Potential
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - "Simon Despres is part of a rock solid defensive pairing." That is a phrase you never would have heard about the Penguins 6'4" defenseman before he turned 23 in July.
With so many expectations, it seems Despres' career started, played out and ended. But now with a new coaching staff, Despres is not only playing, but head coach Mike Johnston pointed out examples of good play from Despres and linemate Rob Scuderi to the team following the Toronto win.
"Some D are special, they get it at a young age," Scuderi said. "But for most guys it takes a longer period of time. It's nice to see him come around. I think he's always understood the game, but I think he's making better decisions and playing really well."
Despres listens and respects the two-time Stanley Cup winner and said Scuderi has given him some solid advice. The best of which is to stop trying to make offense out of nothing.
"You're a defenseman, your job is to defend," Despres said of Scuderi's lessons. "If it's not there, put it up the wall and make a safe play. So I've learned to make more safe plays."
Scuderi said he's just trying to make it a more simple game for the 2009 first-round pick with just 87 games of NHL experience.
"He's got offensive upside if he wants to, he's got a great stride. He can get in the rush if he wants to. Not every defenseman can lead the rush, move the puck. Let the puck do the work for you and follow up when the opportunity presents itself," said Scuderi.
No doubt Despres benefited from a change in the coaching staff and maybe the general manager; Despres is heeding the advice and made an immediate impression on new coach Johnston.
"I thought he had a very good camp," Johnston said. "The first thing that caught my eye is the way he came into training camp. He came in with a lot of confidence. He came in to make the team, he came in to make an impression."
"I like to play hockey," Despres said of this season where he is a plus two in two games. "I like the game. To be able to play the first 2 games is big for me. I want to play every game and I'm working hard to stay in the lineup."
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