I'm still seething over this trade. Part of me wants to watch the ducks more now, I caught their last two games. I've been a Pen fan since Mario was drafted, been watching ever since then, but it gets harder and harder to watch. Part of the enjoyment of a long time fan is to see youngsters come up through the org and blossom into something. I've always had, and still have pretty high hopes that Despres is going to be a bonafide stud in this league some day. At the very least he will be the rock of a 2nd pairing on a cup contender some day. We traded that for Ben Lovejoy, I know he's "better" now. Last time he was here he was a train wreck, anyone else remember when him and England going out was automatic disaster, but yet was rolled out time and time again?
If a few years and someone have some faith in Lovejoy could get him from then to now, a guy with a much lower ceiling. What do you think Despres could blossom into?
For whatever reason, this is the most ticked I've been over a trade. It makes zero sense on any level. No matter how you try to rationalize it. It's even more frustrating that not one media person in pittsburgh has the stones or intelligence to call it out for what it was. An IDIOTIC trade. Molinari sees it (i think) but he's been disinterested in writing critical stuff about the Pens for years now.
I think that Mackey might see it some as well, but as a beat reporter and practically a paid employee of the Pens doesn't have the stones to say anything negative about it.
when lovejoy was traded to the ducks, he said that while playing for the penguins he was "afraid to make a mistake" because he would then be benched and play again for awhile. he is a consummate team player and professional, so he then went on to say that that was the mindset because the pens were a team with cup expectations, a real contender, lots of veterans, blah blah blah.
not a huge shot at the organization but when mr nice guy lovejoy says something like that, it's almost certainly true and probably worse than he let on.
This organization really pisses me off. I'm worried about the future in that Rutherford doesn't seem to care about making boneheaded trades and giving up more value just to get the player he desires.
This organization really pisses me off. I'm worried about the future in that Rutherford doesn't seem to care about making boneheaded trades and giving up more value just to get the player he desires.
Sorry I missed it, and I went back thru the thread, what 'little' comment did Bennett make?
Thanks in advance.
This post pretty much is exactly how I feel (still), especially the bolded parts.
Everytime I see this picture I imagine "I will remember you" playing in background.
This is the ONLY trade from JR that I have a problem with, he has been stellar but who in their right mind would think Lovejoy is an upgrade over Despres? At least get the most out of it by asking for a 2nd or 3rd back, I could live with the trade at that point. I agree Captain Hook, he could have gotten more out of Nashville but it's not like he didn't get quality pieces back. Hornqvist and Spaling are good players, I will always view Lovejoy as a 6-8 defenseman.
I just don't understand this trade and never will. It makes you think, would JR trade Maatta for Engelland in the future to add that "experience"?
Perhaps it was his way of avoiding having to dish out a long-term contract renewal to Despres this Summer?
http://www.si.com/nhl/2015/03/06/ka...epres-ben-lovejoy-trade-reason-penguins-ducks• An insider told SI.com the trade deadline deal that sent promising young defender Simon Despres to Anaheim in exchange for low-ceiling veteran Ben Lovejoy wasn't as surprising as it looked on the surface, saying off-ice issues and broken trust played into Pittsburgh's decision to cut ties with its 2009 first round draft pick. It was pretty clear to anyone who was watching that the big blueliner had glaring consistency issues in his game, but it sounds like they were more than just part of the learning process. Our source wouldn't be specific about what the problems with Despres were, but said they influenced the team's decision not to pursue a new contract with the 23-year-old. To his credit, Despres has made a quick adjustment with Anaheim, putting up a +3 in his debut, and there's no denying that he has the tools to be a solid NHL defender. Sometimes a trade is exactly what a young player needs to get his priorities straight: see Seguin, Tyler. Here's hoping the change of scene helps Despres maximize his considerable potential.
This is the ONLY trade from JR that I have a problem with, he has been stellar but who in their right mind would think Lovejoy is an upgrade over Despres? At least get the most out of it by asking for a 2nd or 3rd back, I could live with the trade at that point. I agree Captain Hook, he could have gotten more out of Nashville but it's not like he didn't get quality pieces back. Hornqvist and Spaling are good players, I will always view Lovejoy as a 6-8 defenseman.
I just don't understand this trade and never will. It makes you think, would JR trade Maatta for Engelland in the future to add that "experience"?
allan muir from si.com has sources that tell him the exact same shadowy things that were told to dejan about despres. just silly.
I like how every time a core player gets traded, it's because there's a character issue.
I don't buy that Neal / Despres are bad guys