Penguins' Rutherford: 'Our guys felt very strong about reacquiring' Lovejoy

The Pittsburgh Penguins added experience on their blue line by turning to a familiar face at the trade deadline.

Ben Lovejoy began his career in Pittsburgh but was traded to the Anaheim Ducks in 2013. His name floated to the top of the list when Penguins staff met to discuss trade deadline targets, according to general manager Jim Rutherford.

"We had a very, very long meeting this morning and this afternoon (regarding Lovejoy)," Rutherford told reporters. "Most of (the Penguins' staff) were here when Ben was here before. He was a young guy still feeling his way in the league. Since he's gone to Anaheim he's really blossomed. He's really developed into a solid, consistent defender. Our guys felt very strong about reacquiring this player."

Lovejoy has 39 points in 150 games with the Ducks, producing at the same pace he did in Pittsburgh despite seeing his average time on ice increase by over four minutes. The Penguins paid a hefty price to bring back the 31-year-old, dealing 23-year-old former first-round pick Simon Despres, but Rutherford felt it was necessary to address the issue of experience.

"When we looked at our defense, despite the fact that it's played pretty well at this point, we were concerned about the experience," Rutherford said. "We were looking to upgrade, add more of a veteran presence."

While Lovejoy is excited to return to Pittsburgh, the trade news caught him by surprise.