Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils Midseason Defense And Goalie Grades

By David Holliday

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 23: Jon Gillies #32 of the New Jersey Devils at the bench during the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings on January 23, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 23: Jon Gillies #32 of the New Jersey Devils at the bench during the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings on January 23, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils right wing Jimmy Vesey (16) and defenseman Ryan Graves (33): Catalina Fragoso-USA TODAY Sports /

Dougie Hamilton

Gp:30 G:7 A:13 Pts:20

Dougie Hamilton was pretty much exactly what this team needed when he signed this offseason. They got all he could give in till his injury. Unfortunately, he has missed a quarter of the season at this point so not a lot has changed since the last review the team and fans need him to get back soon and we wish him the best in his recovery.

Rating: A

Ryan Graves

Gp:36 G:3 A:13 Pts:16

Ryan Graves is still playing the big strong hard-hitting game but over the last 10 or 15 games, he has been making more mistakes. While no one is perfect, it is a little telling that these things were not happening early or in his pre-Devils days though and more than a little worrying that the defensive system implemented is hurting him. Based on some interviews, it is clear he is also frustrated, and to be honest he should be. The team should be better and seeing your old team ripping it up and knowing they are cup favorites would be painful. Hopefully, this gives him the drive to push himself and the players around him harder though, and does not eventually lead to something worse because this team massively needs him.

Rating: B

Jonas Siegenthaler

Gp:41 G:0 A:9 Pts:9

Many Devils fans were unsure about the trade at first and though the first part of this season Jonas Siegenthaler felt like a stop-gap until guys like Reilly Walsh and Hughes are ready in a season or two at most. Right now, he has been one of the most consistent defenders if not the most since Hamilton went down and has quietly impressed me. He has added some physicality into his game and most games will get involved in some scrums after the whistle and are more than willing to stand up for his goaltender which was severely lacking in this roster for way too long. If he keeps this up this is the kind of depth guy that the team needs and he should feel good about his game.

Rating: B+

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