Ty Smith
GP:48 G:2 A:21 PTS:23
Ty Smith was an absolute monster and is a star in the making. He already led the Devils defense in Corsi, pushed the play better than anyone but Jack Hughes, and showed he can already QB a powerplay. His passing is next level, his shot is pretty good and his IQ is off the charts. If he takes even a small step forward, the talk will move from Calder potential to legit #1 defender and a guy the Devils can base a defense core around.
Final season grade: A+
Will Butcher
GP:23 G:1 A:10 PTS:11
Will Butcher was passed over early on yet again for Matt Tennyson and felt like his time was over. It looked like he would never be getting back into the lineup. Halfway through the season, due to injury and trades, the team was virtually forced to give him playing time. Despite all of that, Butcher was actually pretty good. So why was he in the press box so long? If the Devils were to have a good defense core Butcher should be a bottom-pairing guy, but he is actually an NHL player, unlike some players who have been forced into the lineup. His skating is mediocre, his shot not all that hard, but when he is on his game, Butcher can still move the puck at a high level and make smart offensive plays. He may not be the star he looked like he could be but if you can get a bottom pairing guy who is not getting caved in 5v5 that can run a second powerplay there is room for him in the lineup. While not the biggest sample size he was still on pace for a 40 point season and that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Final season grade: B
Matt Tennyson
GP:21 G:1 A:2 PTS:3
Once again a surprise out of training camp, Matt Tennyson who is clearly a hot starter and played a few good games early before trailing off to his AHL level of play. At even strength, he was caved in with a 41% Corsi and Fenwick, the worst on the team who played a significant part of the season. Moving forward fans should all wish him the best but both years it was clearly a mistake to keep him in the lineup over guys like Smith and Butcher who can play at the NHL level.
Final season grade: D-