Penguins Update: Love for the Reverend

It ranks among the most unpopular—and controversial—deals in recent Penguins history. To such an extent that GM Jim Rutherford felt compelled to absolve himself of sole responsibility, stating that a push for the trade came from above. An organizational decision. Heck, JR stopped just short of calling the swap a mistake.

Yes, I’m referring to Simon Despres for Ben Lovejoy.

Before I continue, let’s be clear. Parting with a mobile, 6’4″ 215-pound, 24-year-old defenseman who hits and possesses some offensive upside? That’s something you just don’t do. He’s a player you keep and make a cornerstone of your defense. Much as the Ducks did when they signed Despres to a five-year extension worth $18.5 million.

So much for the disclaimer.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch? Lovejoy’s been really good this season. In fact, through the first 10 games he’s arguably been our best defenseman. Logging an average of 18 minutes of ice time, the Dartmouth grad’s registered a goal and an assist to go with a healthy plus-3.

His possession numbers aren’t stellar (a poor Corsi For All of 41%). But metrics can be deceiving. A whopping 66.9% of Lovejoy’s shifts have started in the defensive zone—far and away the most for any black-and-gold defender. A clear indication “The Reverend” has earned the trust of Mike Johnston and the coaching staff.

Indeed, Lovejoy and partner Brian Dumoulin have been used more and more in shutdown situations. Take Wednesday’s 3-1 impressive win over Washington, for example. Matched against Alex Ovechkin the pair did a standout job, limiting “the Great Eight” to no points and eight five-on-five scoring changes. Or two below Ovy’s season average, according to Jason Mackey of the Tribune Review.

Afterward, Johnston singled out No. 12 for some well-deserved praise.

“I thought Ben had a really good stick and really good position on the ice,” the Pens coach said. “That’s the type of player he is.”

Sweet words, I’m sure, to the underappreciated defender. Especially given the uproar surrounding his arrival last spring.

This isn’t the first time the New Hampshire native’s tasted success in a Penguins jersey. Signed as a free agent in 2008, Lovejoy played well back in 2010-11 (17 points, plus-11 in 47 games) before injuries and a glut of NHL-caliber defensemen made him expendable.

Prospect Derrick Pouliot flourished last season while paired with Lovejoy. However, an ultra-heavy workload and a tendency to press derailed the outgoing defender’s normally steady approach. Trying too hard to do too much, he struggled mightily down the homestretch and in the playoffs.

Fortunately, Ben’s found the reset button. And a little love for his game.