Kevin Bahl
Kevin Bahl hasn’t been discussed much since the Devils signed Dougie Hamilton, and then traded for Ryan Graves and Christian Jaros. It seems like the Devils have their seven defensemen in Hamilton, Graves, Subban, Severson, Siegenthaler, Smith, and Jaros. There might not be room for Bahl who still has waiver eligibility. He could go back to the AHL to start the season, but the way he ended last season is definitely worth another look.
His advanced numbers are actually really bad, but he seemed to be all or nothing on the ice. He could single-handedly stop a high-danger chance, but he also watched as 21 high-danger chances went against his goalie in just seven games. Y’all don’t need me to tell you that allowing three high-danger chances against per game is bad for a defenseman.
This is where eye test sometimes takes precedence over advanced statistics. Bahl needs a LOT of work, but looking at the stats alone would take away from his impact on the ice. He found ways to use his body in a proper way on the ice. As someone who is between 6’7 and 6’8, using his size will keep him on an NHL roster.
He needs to fix his flaws over the offseason, but with some consistency in the coaching staff, Bahl probably got some very specific coaching. Lindy Ruff’s system is hard on defensemen, but Bahl can find a place if he works just a little faster. The game is going to move, and if Bahl can show major growth, he might even steal that last spot in the rotation from Jonas Siegenthaler.