Ducks sign Simon Despres to five-year extension

Defenseman Simon Despres, who surprised the Ducks with his effectiveness after he joined the team in a trade with Pittsburgh just before the deadline in March, signed a five-year, $18.5-million contract extension that carries him through the 2020-21 season.

The average annual value is $3.7 million, a reasonable number for a big defenseman whose potential seems still not fully tapped.

Despres, 24, was acquired to be a depth player but soon won a regular spot. He had one goal, six points and a +2 defensive rating in 16 regular-season games with the Ducks and added a goal, seven points and a +4 rating in 16 playoff games. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound native of Laval, Canada, set career highs last season with three goals and 23 points in 75 combined regular-season games with the Penguins and Ducks.

He averaged 18 minutes and 40 seconds of ice time with the Ducks during the regular season and increased that to 20:46 during the playoffs. Despres and Cam Fowler, Hampus Lindholm, Sami Vatanen and Josh Manson are all 24 or younger and together form a a group that might be the cornerstone of the Ducks’ defense for years to come

helene.elliott@latimes.com

Twitter: @helenenothelen