DUCKS ADD DEPTH D-MAN LOVEJOY
The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Ben Lovejoy from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a fifth-round draft pick in 2014.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks recently lost promising young defenseman {P Cam Fowler} to injured reserve, while prospect {P Hampus Lindholm} is also currently injured and unavailable. Therefore, Anaheim felt the need for a depth defenseman. Enter Lovejoy, who has some size and a bit of offensive ability but has never really put it all together at the NHL level. He'll supply some depth in Southern California and may stick as the team's No. 7 defenseman this year.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins continue to try to alleviate their logjam on defense, which is always a nice problem to have. After losing {P Brian Strait} to the Islanders via waivers, the Pens this time got an asset in return for Lovejoy...who recently saw his ice time dwindle in favor of youngsters {P Simon Despres} and {P Robert Bortuzzo}. There are more young blueliners on the way for the Pens, so this move helps create some roster space (for this year and beyond).
Fantasy impact
Lovejoy does have some untapped fantasy upside, but he isn't likely to reach it at this point. He was merely acquired for depth, though his prospects should improve in Anaheim because he was the odd man out too often in Pittsburgh.
