New Jersey Devils: An Early Look At Line Combinations

Defense

First Pair

Ryan Murray-Damon Severson

The Devils’ back end has been one of the worst in the league for a long time and this season they need to pick it up big time to not be a bottom-five team. With Andy Greene gone a new player is needed to pick up the slack and to play with Damon Severson so Ryan Murphy will hopefully be sliding into that spot. Both players are veterans but not old by any stretch at 26 and 27 years old and have had very up and down careers. Severson at times looks like a solid #2 and others a #4 while Murphy needs to stay healthy. Not a true top pairing on a good NHL team this is the best the Devils can offer however and with the right chemistry could be solid enough to get us through the season. Moving forward if things went well they could transition to a perfect second pairing, but this would rely on guys like Bahl, Smith, and Walsh to get a little older.

Second Pair

Dmitry Kulikov-P.K. Subban

Two veterans who are probably not going to be here for very long but have a lot to prove. Subban needs to bounce back fast or he will be left open in the expansion draft while Kulikov took a while to find a taker for this season. Kulikov should let PK roam around and press on the offense more this season and that could get the best out of him.

Third Pair

Will Butcher-Ty Smith

One younger veteran and a rookie, both offensive. This pairing is high risk and will be sheltered heavily but the ability to move the puck in transition and the offensive zone could really help. Against teams third and fourth lines things should go well but coaching will have to keep them away from top players.

Extras

Connor Carrick- Serviceable #6-7 defender who will likely see some games, especially in a  condensed schedule.

Reilly Walsh- With the AHL an unknown it is possible Reilly Walsh will get a shot and his first games this year. A smooth skater he will be used a lot like Butcher especially early on.