Breaking: Former 1st round pick signs in KHL

According to a Russian report from the KHL, former Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks defenseman Simon Despres has signed a one-year deal with HC Slovan Bratislava.

Despres was a first round selection (30th overall) of the Penguins in 2009 but has failed to establish himself as a regular NHL defenseman despite receiving opportunities with both the Penguins and the Anaheim Ducks.

Unfortunately for Despres his career has been mostly sidelined due to a brutal concussion as a result of an illegal hit to the head from Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie in 2015. Despres sat out the remainder of the season before returning last season, but his concussion symptoms proved to be too severe for him to continue. His contract, which was valued at nearly $16 million was bought out by the Ducks earlier this offseason.

Good luck and, most importantly, good health Simon!