#4 Nikita Gusev – $4.5M AAV through 2020-2021
At the time of the NHL pause, Nikita Gusev was the second-highest point scorer (13g, 31a, 44p) on the Devils roster, just one point behind sniper Kyle Palmieri. In his first year in the NHL, Gusev had to overcome a tough adjustment from international rink size to North American ice. During the early part of the season, he got knocked around, was slower than the opposition, and was a defensive liability. This limited Gusev’s opportunity to create offensive chances.
As Goose adjusted, he was able to get more ice, and he flourished. Next season, I predict him to reach at least 50 points on a line with young and developing linemates Jesper Bratt and Pavel Zacha. He was already on pace for 50+ points this season.
His contract, though only good for one more season, is very cap friendly for a leading point scorer. 4.5M for his level of production is another win for the Devils’ salary cap.
#3 Damon Severson – $4.166M AAV through 2022-2023
Spoiler alert! Damon Severson is the only defenseman on this list. Severson is locked in with the Devils until 2023, making his contract the longest among Devils d-men. He had the most goals (8) and most assists (23) among Devils defensemen and is the only defenseman who played all 69 regular-season games for the team this season.
It’s that type of production and consistency that the Devils desperately need on defense. At $4.166 million AAV for 3 more years, Severson’s contract gives the team that consistency from a player who is still only 25 years old, without breaking the bank.
The only thing holding Severson from number one on this list is his defensive zone coverage. He plays weak in the d-zone and often allows a lot of pressure on his own net. This leads to a lot of goals against – not something NHL teams want on defense, at all.