Grading Each New Jersey Devils Players’ Playoff Performances

Ryan Graves – Grade: D

The high-risk, high-reward nature of the Devils’ blueline was a question mark almost all year for the Devils, and no player showed more risk and less reward than Ryan Graves. Things took a turn in the playoffs, and it started at the beginning of the series against the New York Rangers.

Let’s begin with some good. Graves set a career-high in goals with eight in the regular season, but his clumsy and below-average skating inhibited him from recovering from being out of position so frequently. The Rangers were able to exploit Graves’ defensive awareness for most of the first round, which allowed Chris Kreider to torch New Jersey for five power-play goals in seven games. And, for a guy who is 6’5″ and 220 lbs, Graves got knocked around pretty regularly by the Hurricanes and Rangers without ever returning the favor. One should expect a player of his caliber to throw his weight around.

At least Graves’ performances were not for a lack of effort, as the Nova Scotian defender was at least reliable for shot-blocking and breaking up rushes. With one assist in 10 games, that is as far as things go for the pending UFA, who will more than likely be finding a new home this summer.