We did the forward grades for the New Jersey Devils earlier this week. If you missed it, check it out here.
PK Subban
GP:44 G:5 A:14 PTS:19
After a very rough first season and a bad start to this season, P.K. Subban started to get a bit of momentum before his season was cut short. His puck movement and on-ice choices were a little better after around game 20, but it is hard to tell if this will be a change to a younger Subban or was just a small flash in the pan. His shot is still pretty good, but without the agility of his youth, the best he can be is a middle-pairing guy. Another thing that he needs to start doing is throwing a few more hits if his body can take it as averaging under 1 per game is rather underwhelming.
Final season grade: C+
Damon Severson
GP:56 G:3 A:18 PTS:21
Now to the longest-serving member of the team. Damon Severson is a part of the leadership core. His play on the ice was up and down this season, but a big part of that is playing up in the lineup. Severson is a fantastic middle defender or a support member of a mediocre top pairing, but unfortunately, he is currently the Devils’ number-one defenseman. He did, however, manage to be a positive player this season in Corsi and Fenwick. Moving forward, he needs to settle in and try to not do too much, much like Subban did, while eating up some of the harder minutes while players come up and develop.
Final season grade: B
Ryan Murray
GP:48 G:0 A:14 PTS:14
One of the Devils’ better recent pickups, Ryan Murray quietly came in and did what he needed to. He was a positive player with a slightly negative Corsi but with his slightly heavier defensive starts, it really is not so bad. He was able to stay healthy compared to most years and if he can keep that up could be in for a few good years in New Jersey, though the team should be prepared for him to be out during a regular season. While people always want big offensive numbers, having guys who can just lock it down is important and something this team needs far more of so really Murray was exactly what was expected when he came over.
Final season grade: B