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Grading New Jersey Devils’ 2022 Offseason Additions Prior to Playoffs

By Jonathan Bailey

TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 19: Ondrej Palat #18 of the New Jersey Devils is recognized as a former player during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on March 19, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - MARCH 19: Ondrej Palat #18 of the New Jersey Devils is recognized as a former player during a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on March 19, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith (2): Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Devils sign Brendan Smith

The departure of Ty Smith left a hole on the left side of the defense, with Marino patching up the right side. At the time, it was ambitious to think Kevin Bahl or Nikita Okhotyuk could nail down a regular role on the third pairing, meaning the Devils were in the market for a cheap third-pair defender.

Brendan Smith was probably not who most of us had in mind.

Smith is, apparently, a great locker room presence, but his on-ice product is the opposite of great. The ex-Ranger regularly drew the ire of Devils fans with clumsy, and sometimes plain stupid, penalties and contributed absolutely zero offensively to atone for it. Smith finished his first season in New Jersey goalless in 60 games with five assists, alongside 24 minor penalties.

Next. Devils Ready to Raise Hell in 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. dark

Personally, I’m glad Luke Hughes is here and that Kevin Bahl has made some massive strides too.

Grade: F

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