New Jersey Devils End Of Season Grades Part Two

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 24: Ty Smith #24 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on January 24, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 24: Ty Smith #24 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Islanders at the Prudential Center on January 24, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils defenseman Kevin Bahl (88): (Catalina Fragoso-USA TODAY Sports)

Kevin Bahl

GP:7 G:0 A:2 PTS:2

The biggest piece of the Taylor Hall trade got some game action late. While the advanced numbers were not great visually, he did not look out of place or lost. Kevin Bahl is a big body who used it quite well and his reach is something a defensive coach dreams of. He was averaging over 2 hits a game which is supremely needed on the back end and with an offseason of training then being paired with a good puck mover Bahl has a lot of potential and will thrive as soon as next year on the final pairing if that is the route the Devils go.

Final season grade: B

Connor Carrick

GP:11 G:1 A:1 PTS:2

Connor Carrick was exactly what everyone expected as a number 7-8 defender. His numbers were low as he got trapped in the defensive zone a little too often but the effort was there and never in question. He was always willing to stand up for his team, clear guys from the front of the net, and block shots. He is a heart and soul guy but does not move the Devils in a positive direction skill-wise and is best served in the role he took this season, filling in the rare game and that is it.

Final season grade: C