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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 defenseman Ryan Graves (33): Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Graves, Current AAV $3.16 million

Ryan Graves could have earned himself a ton of money in the postseason. Instead, the narrative on him is he’s played terribly. This writer doesn’t think it’s as bad as the narrative says, but the reality is Graves has been on the ice for six goals against and zero goals for. Obviously, the Devils haven’t scored at even strength, so it would be impossible for Graves to see a goal while he’s on the ice. Still, watching three goals go in per game is not good for him.

Graves hasn’t been good on the penalty kill. To his credit, the Rangers have completely figured out how to solve the Devils diamond formation. They constantly leave Chris Kreider wide open, and he’s killed them every time. Graves himself hasn’t figured out how to solve that problem, and it’s cost the Devils every night.

That is going to be the prevailing story for Graves. When he’s trying to stop the opposing team, it still ends up in the back of his team’s net.

Next. 4 Devils Who Need A Stanley Cup Championship. dark

He has some positives working in his favor. He’s 6’5. That is something that can’t be taught. Someone will pay Graves, and he might even get a raise. However, if he had a big postseason, or if the Devils looked really good in the first round, he would have been given a lot more. Instead, he likely has to settle for less.

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