The New Jersey Devils are off to a 9-3-1 start. They just wrapped up a Western Canada road trip where they went 1-1-1. Although getting three points in three games is acceptable for a road trip, something needs to change defensively.
Andy Greene and Steven Santini have been playing as the Devils top defensive pair. Santini has done well facing top pair players and Greene has looked rejuvenated this year as well but after Greene and Santini, it’s bleak defensively for New Jersey
Damon Severson, who signed a nice extension this offseason, looks lost at times. His offensive play hasn’t been bad, but defensively he and John Moore are just not up to par. Rookie Will Butcher has looked outstanding offensively, but he’s been sheltered defensively. He likely needs to remain sheltered in the sixth defenseman role.
Mirco Mueller, Ben Lovejoy, and Dalton Prout have rotated in and out of the lineup. Mueller has been mediocre and Ben Lovejoy actually looked great defensively against Calgary. On the other hand, after a nice start from Dalton Prout, his play has really fallen off.
What Can Change?
The Devils need to decide if they’re comfortable with the defensemen on this roster for the remainder of this season. The answer to that should be no. Ray Shero should get on the phone with George McPhee of the Vegas Golden Knights and start asking about Brayden McNabb. McNabb is in the last year of his deal. While he hasn’t been amazing for Vegas this year, his play over the last few years has been outstanding.
It’s likely the Devils could pry McNabb away for a 3rd round pick or later and that would provide an immediate boost.
McNabb could slide in on the second pairing with Damon Severson, pushing John Moore into a 3rd pairing role with Butcher. Butcher and Moore would be a very nice offensive 3rd pair that could strictly play sheltered minutes allowing them to be utilized as offensive defensemen.
Greene and Santini could continue to play the toughest minutes for the Devils, where they’ve done alright, and the Devils can hope Santini continues to improve.
McNabb and Severson could form a very nice second pair. McNabb is much less of a defensive liability than Moore which would allow Severson to focus more on his game.
Other Options
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There are other options as well. Looking at Vegas specifically they have Jason Garrison in the minors and Jon Merrill as an extra defenseman. While I’d prefer to avoid both trading a late pick for Garrison (who’s contact expires this year) would be worth the risk.
The Devils are off to a great start but with a very tough stretch coming up it might be time to look at making some changes. Offensively the return of Marcus Johansson, Kyle Palmieri, and Travis Zajac should provide a huge boost. Taylor Hall, Nico Hischier, and Jesper Bratt have looked outstanding.
Cory Schneider and Keith Kinkaid have both looked great in net as well. However, if this team wants to make the playoffs they’re going to have to improve defensively. Offering up a late round pick for a defensemen on an expiring contract from Vegas is a low risk move that could pay off huge.