The Enigma that is Simon Depres

[B21]

So Shero is on record as saying Depres being sent back to the AHL was due to numbers and, still not having to clear waivers, Depres was the odd man out as Engelland can play wing on the 4th line.

 

Shero's quotes:

 

"Where he is right now, in terms of his career, he's in a good spot," Shero said. "In terms of the progression he's made and his maturity, on and off the ice, I think that's coming.

 

"Even though he's not [in the NHL now], we still believe he's a very good prospect for us and will be an NHL player, for sure."

 

However.....

 

Rob Rossi and Josh Yohe of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review have reported that there may be other issues - specifically, "pouting" after being a healthy scratch for several games even after some pretty good play.  Also noted that Bylsma and others in the organization have soured on him.  Not sure how much truth there is to that though Jonathan Bombulie - who covers the WBS Penguins for the Citizens Voice and who has a regular weekly spot on 93.7 The Fan - said the same thing a day or two after Depres was sent down.

 

He's been OK during his time in the NHL this year and he's phenomenal in the AHL (6 / 8 / 14 / +18 in 22 GP).

 

Hard to know what is really going on as Depres simply being a victim of a numbers crunch makes perfect sense.

 

Time will tell.

 

[flyercanuck]

@B21

 

Despres is a good young player. I'm sure he'll come around, it's not like his best days are behind him or anything.

[nossagog]

I think they still have Depres in their plans.  They've asked him to focus entirely on being defensive this year, even though he has great offensive talent.  And it is showing.  I hope that all the effort to build him does not mean that they lose him. At least two of our top defenders will be gone next year.   I don't see them resigning Orpik, even though he's a fan favorite.  And I can only see them resigning Niskanen if they rid themselves of Letang, which I can't see happening.  So there I hope the intent is to build a better Despres for next year.

[B21]

@B21

 

Despres is a good young player. I'm sure he'll come around, it's not like his best days are behind him or anything.

 

Thanks for making me feel better.

[flyercanuck]

@B21

 

Well the guy is only 22. I mean if you guys want we'll give you a 3rd rounder for him to soften the blow of him busting at such an old age.

[B21]

I think they still have Depres in their plans.  They've asked him to focus entirely on being defensive this year, even though he has great offensive talent.  And it is showing.  I hope that all the effort to build him does not mean that they lose him. At least two of our top defenders will be gone next year.   I don't see them resigning Orpik, even though he's a fan favorite.  And I can only see them resigning Niskanen if they rid themselves of Letang, which I can't see happening.  So there I hope the intent is to build a better Despres for next year.

 

I'm leaning toward that as well.  I take Shero at his word on this one.  Like you said, they have really worked with the staff in WBS to get him to focus on his play in his own end...with goods results...at least at the AHL level.  I think it is a numbers game at this point.

 

I agree that Orpik is gone, too. It's unfortunate - the guy should be a Pen for life - but the Pens rarely let sentimentality get in the way of business.  Talbot. Scuderi Part 1. Staal. Cooke.  They tried but didn't overpay for any. 

 

Most if not all of Orpik's $3,750,000 will likely be used to resign Niskanen who makes $2,300,000 now.  The question is - what will it take to keep Niskanen?  He's having a career year at age 27 (7th season).  He's on pace for 10 G and 35 A and is leading the league at +29 (insert playing-with-Crosby caveat here   ).  He's proven he can QB a PP.  I think $6,000,000 would get it done.  Less if the years are there.  With the cap expected to go up and no big raises due to any other F/A, they can afford to bring Niskanen back.  It's early but I can see the D next year looking like this...

 

Letang/Scuderi

Depres/Martin 

Niskanen/Maatta

 

Martin is UFA after next season. By then, one or more of Poulliot/Dumoulin/Harrington should be ready to step in...and at a cap hit about $4,000,000 less than Martin's.

[B21]

@B21

 

Well the guy is only 22. I mean if you guys want we'll give you a 3rd rounder for him to soften the blow of him busting at such an old age.

 

He's our Couturier.  If he is traded, he is our JVR.

 

Meet me over in that Flyers-need-a-#1-defenCeman-thread. 

[Polaris922]

I'm up in the air on defensemen. I agree Orpik is probably gone, which I don't like. I'm hoping Niskanen stays but I don't know if he's worth $6 million. I'm thinking Depres will be better for the time down WB.

[mojo1917]

With Orpik gone... who's the banger ?  who leads ?  Martin ?  Scuderi ?  are any of the younger guys nasty like him ?

 

I don't see Letang in the role of being 'that guy" I know he fights pretty well but you don't want that from him much and he doesn't have that "presence" in front of the net when things get playoff-y.

 

See if Brooks takes a discount to stay...He makes your team harder to play against when it matters, there's something to that.  

[B21]

With Orpik gone... who's the banger ?  who leads ?  Martin ?  Scuderi ?  are any of the younger guys nasty like him ?

 

I don't see Letang in the role of being 'that guy" I know he fights pretty well but you don't want that from him much and he doesn't have that "presence" in front of the net when things get playoff-y.

 

See if Brooks takes a discount to stay...He makes your team harder to play against when it matters, there's something to that.  

 

I think Martin & Scuderi are both capable of that leadership role - either is worthy of Orpik's "A".

 

As for the "banger" - those 6 don't have the same physical presence that Orpik does though Depres is 6'4 and 220. There's always Engelland and Bortuzzo who could be resigned as the 7th d-man.

 

How much of a discount? $3,750,000 to.....$2,000,000?

[mojo1917]

@B21

 

i know he's lost a step and can be beaten wide more than is comforting, he still has the condor reach and is mean, and with regard to the leadership role; there is the letter on the sweater and the credibility in the room.  Those guys have more ability than Brooksie , however, I think Brooks is a high character guy that will be missed in ways that aren't easily replaced.  

 

i don't know your cap situation, but I wouldn't be excited about his departure. I know Rejean is pretty cutthroat when it comes to players and their usefulness on his team.  I don't have a number in mind to keep him around ... 

 

He's been one of the constants in your team's resurgence, it would be odd to play a Pens team without Orpik on it, I don't watch your team enough to know if he's too much of a liability these days.  I think he brings good stuff to a team, stuff that ability alone cannot replace.

Edited January 27, 2014 by mojo1917

[B21]

@B21

 

i know he's lost a step and can be beaten wide more than is comforting, he still has the condor reach and is mean, and with regard to the leadership role; there is the letter on the sweater and the credibility in the room.  Those guys have more ability than Brooksie , however, I think Brooks is a high character guy that will be missed in ways that aren't easily replaced.  

 

i don't know your cap situation, but I wouldn't be excited about his departure. 

 

He's been one of the constants in your team's resurgence, it would be odd to play a Pens team without Orpik on it, I don't watch your team enough to know if he's too much of a liability these days.  I think he brings good stuff to a team, stuff that ability alone cannot replace.

 

Just when FC cheered me up about Depres you go an depress me about Orpik.

 

He's definitely lost a step or two but you are right - still more than capable of clearing the crease on the PK and he can still be effective when paired with a better skating but equally defensively responsible - like a Paul Martin. 

 

I guess it all depends on the discount.  There is just so much depth behind him....

[Polaris922]

@mojo1917

@B21

It all comes down to numbers. I want him here, but will he take what he's worth? Some guys refuse to take less money as they wear down.

Now I met Brooks just after he signed his current contract. He said he'd give whatever it took to stay here. Does he still feel that way?

[nossagog]

With Orpik gone... who's the banger ?  who leads ?  Martin ?  Scuderi ?  are any of the younger guys nasty like him ?

 

I don't see Letang in the role of being 'that guy" I know he fights pretty well but you don't want that from him much and he doesn't have that "presence" in front of the net when things get playoff-y.

 

See if Brooks takes a discount to stay...He makes your team harder to play against when it matters, there's something to that.  

You must be remembering the "old" Brooksie, otherwise know as the Candy Man.   He doesn't give out the candy like he used to.   I don't think I'd want him at a discounted rate though.  He's become very liable in his own zone, and has never been the offensive kind.  I'd thank him for the wonderful memories, and say goodbye. Shero hasn't had to make a call like this yet on a veteran well liked player,  but I would not be surprised to see him moved at the deadline.

[OccamsRazor]

Shero hasn't had to make a call like this yet on a veteran well liked player,  but I would not be surprised to see him moved at the deadline.

 

We'll take him off your hands for Gill....Depres that is Gill helped ya'll win a Cup he'll turn your team around!!!!!!!!!!! 

Edited January 30, 2014 by OccamsRazor

[nossagog]

We'll take him off your hands for Gill....Depres that is Gill helped ya'll win a Cup he'll turn your team around!!!!!!!!!!! 

That's ok, Coach Dan just got a new shipment of practic pylons, we'll pass.

[Polaris922]

That's ok, Coach Dan just got a new shipment of practic pylons, we'll pass.

Bwah-ha-haaaa!

But I disagree on Orpik. Lately his injuries are healed and he's started hitting again. When he's healthy he remains one if the most active hitters on defense in the game.

[domaug]

first time poster. im a Pens fan. heres to some quality discussion on these forums

i think Despres should be with the big team right now. he certainly deserves it. i understand why he is in the minors but i am not a fan of it.

[hf101]

@domaug

 

Welcome, you will find quality hockey discussion along with some laughs here at hockeyforums.  

 

I think the Penguins had room for one rookie on D this year and Maatta earned the roster position.  Given that Depress is an RFA, having a limited amount of NHL games would keep the pricetag down on his next contract.

[jammer2]

@domaug  Welcome, Nice to have yet another Pens poster in here, and from the Pennsylvania area even!

[nossagog]

Welcome Domaug, good to have another Pens fan around.   I like the way that Despres has played, but right now he is the odd man out with Matta playing so well.  I think they are honing his defensive skills this season, and I still believe that he is a big part of their future, starting next year.

[B21]

@domaug  Welcome, Nice to have yet another Pens poster in here, and from the Pennsylvania area even!

 

Liar.

[jammer2]

@B21   FU ya stinky Pens bastard 

[nossagog]

@B21   FU ya stinky Pens bastard 

 

Hey, watch out now, I resemble that remark!

[Polaris922]

@domaug

Welcome Pens fan! As @hf101 said Maatta has just been too solid and in fairness Depres' defensive lapses were starting to resemble Letang's but without the scoring production. The Club says they're keeping Depres in the minors to work on his defense and get game time every game. I'm sure the situation with him having to clear waivers moving down also makes his immediate future AHL for now.