Pucks and Pitchforks
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Assessing New Jersey Devils Lineup After Missing Out On Stars

By Samanew Annaluru

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 02: (L-R) Nathan Bastian #14 and Jonas Siegenthaler #71 of the New Jersey Devils prepare for their game against the Florida Panthers at the Prudential Center on April 02, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 02: (L-R) Nathan Bastian #14 and Jonas Siegenthaler #71 of the New Jersey Devils prepare for their game against the Florida Panthers at the Prudential Center on April 02, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
Dougie Hamilton #7 of the New Jersey Devils. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

Defensive Pairing #1: Siegenthaler – Hamilton

While Ryan Graves was the 2nd Defenseman on the Devils to start the season, Jonas Siegenthaler certainly played well enough to warrant a promotion. The 24-year-old had a stellar defensive season and could help unlock Dougie Hamilton’s game. Speaking of Hamilton, the $9 Million Dollar man had a difficult start to life in New Jersey. But due to injuries, we never saw the fully healthy Hamilton outside of a few months. In those first few games, Hamilton looked like a Norris candidate, and I am confident he can find that form again.

Defensive Pairing #2: Graves – Severson

While speculation exists as to what Damon Severson’s future will be, the reality is that he will be with the Devils unless he is surprisingly traded before the season starts. He is an incredibly undervalued defenseman among Devils fans and had a career year last season in terms of points. Ryan Graves, interestingly, was a more offensively impressive player rather than a defensive one, which was curious given his reputation in Colorado. Nonetheless, I expect Graves to be a serviceable player next year while Luke Hughes waits for his opportunity.

Defensive Pairing #3: Bahl/Okhotyuk- Marino

In a trade announced a few weeks ago, the Devils acquired John Marino in exchange for Ty Smith and a 3rd-round pick. This is a great trade and gives the Devils among the best right-sided defenses in the league. Marino should be a defensive stalwart and play vital minutes on the penalty kill. For his partner, I opted to go with the two rookies in Kevin Bahl and Nikita Okhotyuk. Both showed some promise in their stints last season, especially Okhotyuk in my opinion. I would love to see the two get the opportunity to compete for that spot, rather than just giving it to Brendan Smith.

Goaltending Tandem: Vanecek – Blackwood

An obvious choice, the goaltenders for the Devils next season will make or break the team. In a horrid year last year, the Devils received the 31st worst goaltending in the league while playing 7 starters throughout the season. I would expect a progression to the mean, with both Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek delivering league-average goaltending. While not the perfect pairing, they should be good enough for the Devils to remain competitive in games.

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