New Jersey Devils: What Needs To Happen To Make Playoffs

Defense Isn’t An Abomination

This is obviously a tall task for the Devils as currently constructed. Ben Lovejoy signed on last year, but was one of the worst defensemen in the league by many standards. Andy Green lost a major step from the underrated defender he once was. Damon Severson still had some kinks to work out, and John Moore excelled exclusively on the offensive end.

This year probably won’t see a good defensive team, but with major additions to the offense the blue line just needs to be average. If the Devils can get a strong season from the likes of Steve Santini and Mirco Mueller, this would put a whole new look to the Devils defense.

The Devils are still missing an anchor on this defense. Greene isn’t that guy anymore, and Severson is still about a year away. Despite that, as long as the defense improves on whatever it was they did last year, it will give the team a chance. It could also help if the team signs upcoming college free agent Will Butcher. There’s a chance this defense may not play as bad as it looks on paper.