Despres (concussion) is close to returning to the ice, Elliott Teaford of the Los Angeles News Group reports.

EDGE Analysis

The report did not provide any other details regarding where Despres stands in his recovery, but it appears he is making good progress, and is on track to resume hockey activities at some point this month.

Despres is still feeling the effects of the concussion he suffered in October, reports the Orange County Register.

EDGE Analysis

After carving out a decent-sized role on the Ducks' blue line out of training camp, Despres lasted just four games into the season before a hit to the head from Colorado's Tyson Barrie knocked him out of action. Although he skated early in December, Despres had a setback that's kept him off the ice since. The Ducks could use him, as Despres brings both size and offensive upside to their blue-line mix, but they won't get him back until he shakes those concussion symptoms.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray told reporters Saturday that Simon Despres is dealing with a concussion, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despres hasn't played since Oct. 16 against the Avalanche, a game which the 24-year-old defender exited early after telling the Ducks' medical staff he "felt off." Despres skated on his own Saturday, but is still 1-to-2 weeks away from taking contact, meaning he likely won't be ready to return to game action until early December.

The Ducks placed Despres (upper body) on injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Despres exited Friday's tilt against the Avalanche with an upper-body injury, and was ultimately unable to return to the game. The team originally planned on re-evaluating the 24-year-old defender Monday, but apparently the ailment is serious enough to warrant placing Despres on injured reserve. Despres will now be sidelined for at least the next seven days, meaning the earliest he will be able to return to game action is Oct. 26 against the Blackhawks.

Despres (upper body) will be re-evaluated Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Despres left Friday's tilt against the Avalanche with an upper-body injury and was unable to return to the game. The 24-year-old defender reportedly "felt off" Saturday, prompting the Ducks' medical staff to schedule a re-evaluation for Monday. Because Anaheim's training staff has opted to wait until Monday for the re-evaluation, Despres can be considered highly doubtful for Sunday's game against the Wild.

Despres left Friday's game against Colorado with an upper-body injury and is doubtful to return.

EDGE Analysis

The 24-year-old skated close to 10 minutes before the injury forced him out. Despres, who has yet to tally a point this season after chipping in 17 a year ago, will likely be evaluated ahead of Sunday's game against Minnesota.

Despres signed a five-year, $18.5 million contract with the Ducks on Friday, Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despres has played well for the Ducks since the team acquired him from the Penguins via trade in March, particularly in the postseason, registering seven points (one goal, six assists) in 16 playoff games last season. The 24-year-old will continue to suit up as a top-four defender for Anaheim for the length of his contract.

Despres returned to practice Saturday, Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register reports.

EDGE Analysis

The ailment was never believed to be serious, but it's still nice to see Despres back on the ice ahead of the Ducks' Oct. 10 regular-season opener against the Sharks. The 24-year-old will likely open the season as a top-four defender with Anaheim.

Despres won't play in Thursday's exhibition against the Avalanche due to an undisclosed injury, NHL.com's Curtis Zupke reports.

EDGE Analysis

Head coach Bruce Boudreau told reporters Thursday that the injury isn't serious, so it sounds like holding Despres out of Thursday's contest is likely a precautionary measure. It doesn't sound like the 24-year-old defender is in any danger of missing the Ducks' Oct. 10 regular season opener against the Sharks.

Despres scored his first goal of the playoffs in Game 3 on Thursday, beating Chicago's Corey Crawford with 55 seconds remaining in the second period to break a 1-1 tie, which ended up being the winning tally. The former Penguin has had a good time in these playoffs, with a goal and six assists in the Ducks' dozen playoff game so far. That's an improved scoring rate over what Despres was able to do in the regular season, as even after coming over to Anaheim, he recorded only a modest six points in 16 contests. The Quebec native's got significant long-term offensive upside, and the experience he's gaining here in his first deep NHL playoff run will serve him well in the future.