Mon 20 Nov 2023 - 6:00PM

PANTHERS SIGN DEFENCEMAN SIMON DESPRÉS

The Nottingham Panthers have signed experienced Canadian defenceman Simon Després.

The 32-year-old was selected by Pittsburgh Penguins as a teenger in the first round of the 2009 NHL Draft and has made 193 appearances in the world's top league, scoring six goals and contributing 37 assists for 43 points.

He spent four seasons with the Penguins before being acquired by Anaheim Ducks in a trade in March 2015.

The defenceman has also played 116 games in the AHL in spells with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, San Diego Gulls and Laval Rocket.

Després has iced in the KHL for Slovan Bratislava and has extensive experience in the top leagues in Europe, playing for IK Oskarshamn in the top flight in Sweden.

He's also played in Germany's DEL for Kölner Haie and Eisbären Berlin where he won back-to-back championships. Last year, he iced for Austrian side Villacher SV in the ICE Hockey League.

The Nottingham Panthers Head Coach, Jonathan Paredes, said: "Simon is a player with great experience and one that we are excited to have in Nottingham.

"His puck-moving ability is very strong, as is his vision and ability to make a good first pass to exit the zone. His long reach can make it difficult for opposing players while defending.

"He has produced at some of the highest levels and we truly believe he will fit in great with the group."

Després, who is set to make his debut on Sunday against Belfast Giants at the Motorpoint Arena (4pm) subject to clearance, will wear the #4 jersey for the Panthers this season.

Lookout for this first interview on Panthers TV tomorrow.

Signing news brought to you in association with 2fawcett Recruitment.