Damon Severson
This one is obvious to anyone who is watching the games. Damon Severson was once one of the best defensemen in the league earlier this season. All the stats showed he was a legit number-one defenseman who was helping carry Ty Smith into Calder Trophy consideration. He’s been so bad since the middle of the season, and Ruff was forced to break apart that duo.
Of all the defensemen on the Devils, only Subban has been on the ice for more goals against. However, Subban has been on the ice for a dozen more goals, so at least his offense is helping counteract the issues he has on the other side of the ice.
When we take out Severson’s insane first month and a half, the numbers look a lot worse. He’s eighth among the defensemen in CF% since March 1st. He’s second to last in xGF% in that same time period. He’s allowed 76 high-danger chances in the same time period, which leads the team (last on the team?). When looking at all strengths, that number jumps to 103 high-danger chances against.
Severson was once by far the Devils’ best defenseman, but now he’s on the verge of being the worst. Well, as long as Tennyson is getting minutes he won’t be the worst, but he hasn’t been good at all. He needs to show he can be the defenseman he was in the first month of the season, or the Devils might have to consider what to do with him next.