The Anaheim Ducks have placed defenseman Simon Despres on the long-term injured reserve, according to TSN's Bob McKenzie.
Despres, 25, appeared in the team's season opener, but has since been sidelined with an upper body injury.
The move could be a sign that the team is close to a contract extension with restricted free-agent blue-liner Hampus Lindholm, as the LTIR provides teams with added cap relief.
According to CapFriendly.com, Despres carries a $3.7 million cap hit, while the Ducks have just $600,000 in cap space.
Lindholm is believed to be seeking a long-term extension.
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