Ducks sign defenseman Simon Despres to five-year, $18.5-million contract extension

The Ducks signed defenseman Simon Despres to a five-year contract extension at an average of $3.7-million per season Friday morning, locking up another valuable roster member for the long term. Despres impressed the Ducks with his speed and physical play after a March 2 trade from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The 24-year-old Despres scored one goal and six points in 16 games after the Ducks acquired him from the Penguins for defenseman Ben Lovejoy. Despres also had one goal and seven points in 16 playoff games last spring.

“I’m really happy to be here for another five years,” Despres told reporters after the Ducks’ final practice before opening the regular season Saturday in San Jose. “It’s a great team, great city, great fans and a great environment to play hockey.”

Despres could have been a restricted free agent next summer.