New Jersey Devils End Of Season Grades Part Two
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
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-
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
Mackenzie Blackwood
GP:35 Wins:14 Losses:17 Overtime losses:4
GAA: 3.04 Sv%: .902
Mackenzie Blackwood is one of the best young goalies in the NHL and his hot start to the season was so good he could have had himself in the conversation as a top 10 goalie in the league but unfortunately after the Devils stoppage that all changed. His play fell off as did all of his stats and normally easy saves were floating on by him. Moving forward fans shouldn’t be too worried as it was an odd season so expect him back to form next season. As for this one, however, it was clearly a disappointing one for him but one that he will get over.
Final season grade: C+
Scott Wedgewood
GP:16 Wins:3 Losses:8 Overtime losses:3
GAA: 3.11 Sv%: .900
While not expected to play much at the start with Cory Crawford in the fold Wedgewood was thrust into a rather prominent role starting 15 times and playing in 16 games. Much like Blackwood he started hot and cooled off later and there was actually a time he was the best Devils goaltender by all numbers which was something no one would have predicted. The Devils will be needing more from all goalies next year, including the backup, and it is hard to tell if Wedgewood could provide what they need in a .910 save percentage over 25+ games for the team. Overall expectations were not overall high but they still needed more.
Final season grade: C
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Aaron Dell
GP:7 Wins:1 Losses:5 Overtime losses:0
GAA: 4.14 Sv%: .857
Dell managed to get in 7 games and was given 5 starts this season to help with the goaltending hole left and unfortunately it never really worked out. Getting points in one game is just simply not good and averaging above 4 against a game is going to net those results almost every time. Other than that there is not much to say on Dell other than his equipment and pad design is a hall of fame worthy and hopefully someone else goes with such an incredible design one day.
Final season grade: F