Grading Each New Jersey Devils Players’ Playoff Performances
Damon Severson – Grade: C+
The Devils’ blueline was regularly exposed for untimely goals in their losses in the playoffs, but as a shock to many fans, Damon Severson generally did not play a part in this. New Jersey’s longest-tenured player was rock-solid in Round 1 but, like most everyone else, found sledding a little tougher in Round 2 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Damon Severson works off the side boards and rips home a beauty to put the Devils up by 4!#NJDevils pic.twitter.com/n467hFbtxz
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) May 7, 2023
The only mistake Severson really made was getting caught too high in his own zone on Carolina’s lead-taking goal in Game 4. Even then, he got a piece of the puck. In Game 3, he scored a pretty nice goal with some help from Luke Hughes. Severson once again showed he had value despite playing on the third defensive line. After being the biggest minutes eater on the team for years, Severson really made a difference in his limited role.
Severson’s contributions were pretty muted, but he did well given the circumstances. The Game 5 loss is a sour end to what certainly seems to be the end of Severson’s career in New Jersey. He’s getting ready to get paid in the offseason. Since the Devils likely can’t afford it, he’s likely finding another home.