New Jersey Devils Midseason Report Card
Dougie Hamilton
Goals: 9 Assists: 26 Points: 35
The Devils haven’t had a defender this good in a long time. Dougie Hamilton is playing like a legit number one. The points have been there, and he would be on pace for over 20 goals if they didn’t keep getting called back on questionable calls. He should be their first 60-point defender in a decade. On the defensive side, he has been given some big jobs as you would expect, and has handled everything thrown at him like a true pro.
Overall Rating: A
Jonas Seigenthaler
Goals: 2 Assists: 12 Points: 14
The man is still the perfect player to put with an offensive guy, and having him on a cheap deal for so long already looks genius. His stay-at-home style lets others get the glory and use their skill knowing that he has their back. On top of that, he actually has a decent shot and has more points than most expected, already tying his career high from last season.
Overall Rating: A+
John Marino
Goals: 3 Assists: 6 Points: 9
John Marino takes the majority of the tough matchups with Ryan Graves, and they were at one point the best pairing for suppressing opposition in the entire NHL. Getting him for a failed prospect in Ty Smith was a steal. Marino has given this team a core on the backend that can take them far. When he went down with an injury, it showed how much the team missed him as well since the dip in play was noticeable.
Overall Rating: A+
Ryan Graves
Goals: 3 Assists: 9 Points: 12
Ryan Graves has had a good season in the top four playing the hard minutes with Marino most nights, but his play did take a bit of a dip during the December losing streak, especially without Marino. He does have a mean streak, but it would be nice to see him lay the body on people a little bit more. If he can take a few more shots from the point. Overall he has been good, however. Hopefully can get back to playing like he was at the start of the year since every little bit helps.
Overall Rating: B
Damon Severson
Goals: 3 Assists: 7 Points:10
Damon Severson has always been an up-and-down player but was usually an overall positive contributor. Moving down the lineup should have been good for him. While he does have some good advanced stats, the terrible giveaways still haunt him even as a veteran. It can be tough to overlook when you’re not putting up points and are in his position. Right now, he is probably not worth the money on this team and someone will overpay in the offseason. For the playoff push, he just needs to focus on defense and keep it simple.
Overall Rating: C-
Brendan Smith
Goals: 0 Assists: 4 Points: 4
Brendan Smith has grown on fans as of late. Most like the grit and heart he has shown on the ice pushing people around and actually standing up for his teammates, something this team needs desperately. He isn’t anything spectacular, but that is what we need from a bottom-pairing guy. Be tough, don’t get walked around and show up every night.
Overall Rating: B+
Kevin Bahl
Goals: 1 Assists: 1 Points: 2
Kevin Bahl looks more comfortable at the NHL level this season and is starting to grow into his massively tall frame. He is a positive contributor at only 22, playing a tough position. He has a legit shot at being a full-time NHL guy in a season or two; though the competition will be fierce with Simon Nemec and Luke Hughes, he could be a good bottom-pairing guy if he pans out.