Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils: 5 Players Costing Themselves A Lot of Money

By Nick Villano

Niko Mikkola #77 of the New York Rangers checks Jesper Bratt #63 of the New Jersey Devils during the third period during Game One in the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. The Rangers defeated the Devils 5-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Niko Mikkola #77 of the New York Rangers checks Jesper Bratt #63 of the New Jersey Devils during the third period during Game One in the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. The Rangers defeated the Devils 5-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils
New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28): Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Damon Severson, Current AAV $4.16 million

Damon Severson is going to get paid either way. His current value is a bargain, he’s been playing well in his role, and the defensive market is poor this season. The Devils aren’t going to bring Severson back. They made that decision when the traded for John Marino who still has four seasons left at $4.4 million.

Severson is in the conversation with Matt Dumba, John Klingberg, and Dmitri Orlov as the best defenseman on the market. The Devils longest-tenured player has two things going for him. He’s right-handed, and he’s 28 years old. Even if he signs for seven years, he will be paid through his 35th birthday. That’s not terrible for a player built like Severson.

This could have been where Severson pushed himself past Dumba, Klingberg, and Orlov in the conversation. His time on the power play and penalty kill could have pushed him into a new level of defenseman contract. Now, he may not get the deal we’re all expecting.

He still should get a raise even if the Devils get swept, but it won’t be what most expect. Some thought Severson could get somewhere in the $7 million range, but a defenseman in his age range with as little playoff experience as Severson has can cost them in the long run. If he was able to even get 10-12 playoff games this season, that would have helped immensely.

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