Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: Quarter Season Defensive Grades

By David Holliday

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 20: Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center on February 20, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sharks 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 20: Mackenzie Blackwood #29 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center on February 20, 2020 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Sharks 2-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils defensemen Ty Smith and Damon Severson: (Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports) /

Damon Severson

GP:14 G:1 A:6 Pts:7

The Devils have got the best version of Damon Severson this year. He is putting up points and being responsible defensively. He has been the best defender on the ice. The Devils don’t need to lean on him for all the harder matchups, which is making a big impact and letting him push the play more often. This is the best version of Damon Severson we’ve ever seen.

Quarter season grade: A

Ty Smith

GP:14 G:2 A:6 Pts:8

Ty Smith has been incredible this year and opened eyes around the league. His offensive prowess and amazing hockey IQ are leading to a lot of points and a lot of chances for the Devils while he pushes towards a possible Calder Trophy. Smith is a huge part of the Devils core now and is making a case to being the best defender on the team next to Damon Severson. The trust the coaches show in him being on the ice late in the game no matter the score is good to see. Having that will allow him to develop properly. He doesn’t need to be afraid to make a play and get benched for it, which around the league does get into young players’ heads and can adversely affect their overall play. Smith however makes few mistakes for a young player and might only be a year away from being looked at like some of the young stars in the league like Miro Heiskanen or Quinn Hughes.

Quarter season grade: A+

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