When will he be ready?

Despres is having a very good offensive season in the QMJHL (27 points in 42 games).

That said, the adjustment from the soft Quebec league to Pro hockey can be a difficult one. He is a big kid at 6'4'' and 205 pounds, so the transition shouldn't be too difficult. That said, rarely does a defenseman who isn't a top prospect like Drew Doughty or Luke Schenn make an immediate jump from Junior to the NHL. Expect Depres to play for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins next year or the year after before becoming a Penguin.

The Penguins have a solid group of defensemen as it stands right now so it would be strange if they rushed Despres into the NHL.

Official prediction: Despres debuts at the end of next season as a call-up.

As a number 30 pick the odds say never. But he might be an exception.

give him 2 more years