Nov 25, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) skates against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Rogers Arena.The Vancouver Canucks won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Damon Severson
by Thomas Formoso
I can’t praise Damon Severson enough for what he has managed to do this season. A Calder-contending season was unfortunately hampered by an ankle injury that kept him out for a few months, but Severson has been one of the great upsides to a disappointing season.
Severson was playing effectively with top-line minutes with veteran workhorse Andy Greene before his injury. Now, he is easing his way back into the lineup and will look to keep up the offensive and defensive production that he contributed during the beginning of the season. Of all the young defenders that the Devils currently possess, Damon is the one with the most upside. Ever since he was in the junior leagues, people have been clamoring for him to join the NHL team.
Damon was good enough to force his way on to the roster after the preseason and took advantage of the opportunity presented before him.
Severson still is not even of legal U.S. drinking age and yet he has found a way to become the future leader of the group. Having Adam Larsson and Damon Severson on the top defensive line of the future is a truly tantalizing thought.
Severson has shown an incredible amount of composure more than anything else. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but it is obvious on the ice that he still has much to learn before he can become a dominating force. With Scott Stevens as the defensive coach, a veteran mind in Andy Greene and other learning kids around him, he can find his way to tune his skills to the best of his ability.
The future defensive unit simply has to have Damon Severson in it. If he’s playing with this kind of composure and raw skill at 20 years old, think about what he will play like in his prime.
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