Simon Després

Simon Després (born July 27, 1991) is a Canadian major junior ice hockey defenceman. He is currently playing for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League (AHL). He was drafted 30th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Amateur career
A native of Laval, Quebec, Després was rated as the top professional prospect in the QMJHL by several scouting bureaus and media outlets in anticipation of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft (June 26–27 in Montreal). The Sea Dogs originally acquired Després with the first overall selection at the 2007 QMJHL Entry Draft. He scored his first QMJHL goal on September 23, 2007, against the Lewiston Maineiacs. On June 26, 2009, Despres became the final pick in the first round of the NHL draft, selected by the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, however he continued to play for the Sea Dogs in 2009, but remained a prospect for the Penguins.

In 2009-10, Despres appeared in 63 games, scoring nine goals and 47 points, as the Sea Dogs had a league best 109 points. Despres helped the Sea Dogs reach the President's Cup finals, however, Saint John lost to the Moncton Wildcats in six games. In 21 playoff games, he had two goals and 19 points.

In 2010-11, Despres was limited to 47 games, but increased his goal scoring output to 13 goals, on his way to recording 41 points and winning the Emile Bouchard Trophy as the QMJHL's best defenseman. After helping Team Canada win silver in 2011 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, Despres and the Sea Dogs capped off their season by winning the President's Cup on their way to a Memorial Cup championship victory.

Professional career
Despres is expected to be a professional player in the 2011-2012 season, either with the Pittsburgh Penguins or their AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Awards and honours

 * Emile Bouchard Trophy - QMJHL Defenceman of the Year, 2010-11
 * Invited to take part in Canada’s 2011 National Junior Team selection camp. He ended up being chosen for the Canadian team.