New Jersey Devils: 3 Free Agents Who Can Replace Damon Severson

With the departure of Damon Severson, the New Jersey Devils might look for a veteran defenseman to replace him on the roster. Since the organization hopes to nail down long-term contracts with Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier, they couldn’t afford Severson. His departure makes room for young talents like Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec. The Devils also have prospects Reilly Walsh, Seamus Casey (unsigned) and Daniil Misyul in the mix. Pending UFA defenseman Ryan Graves is also unlikely to return in 2023-24.

Luke Hughes is a lock for next season’s roster and can replace Graves’ role. Simon Nemec will aim to show he’s NHL-ready in the preseason. While it’s clear Nemec has a bright future, in case he won’t be ready to assume his future role, the Devils might want one more defenseman. General manager Tom Fitzgerald might explore options via trades or free agency. With four left-handed defensemen on the roster, he’d likely be looking for a right-handed shooter.

Even if the Devils lock up Bratt and Meier, there would be enough cap space to sign a UFA veteran defenseman. While the Devils have some room, it might not make sense to go after the best available right-handers like Matt Dumba or John Klingberg. With Nemec on the rise and other defensemen locked down for several years, signing someone to a big, long contract like Severson got in the sign-and-trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets wouldn’t be the best move. The Devils could look at some names in the middle of the pack.

Here are three possible veteran defensemen the Devils could target in free agency.

UFA defenseman option: 1. Connor Clifton

Gritty defenseman Connor Clifton took a long route to get to the NHL. Drafted in the fifth round in 2013 by the Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes, Clifton went unsigned out of college. He played four seasons with Quinnipiac University before signing with the Providence Bruins, the AHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins, in 2017.

Clifton then signed an NHL contract with the Bruins the following season and has been with the organization ever since. He’s coming off a three-year, $3 million deal with the Bruins. Clifton was slow to breakout but is finally showing what he’s capable of.

28 year old Clifton is a solid depth piece who is effective on the penalty kill and has significantly matured in his play over the past few years. During the 2023-23 season, he had 18 assists, blocked 120 shots, and had a 20 +/-. Considering the Devils were criticized this past season for a lack of physicality, they could use Clifton’s aggressiveness and willingness to use his body. In 2022-23, Clifton made 208 hits.

https://twitter.com/Sportsnet/status/1625700388002467841

This time around, Clifton will get more than his previous $1 million cap hit, but he’ll still be in an affordable range. With the departure of Damon Severson and the likely departure of Ryan Graves, the Devils will need to revamp their penalty kill. Clifton could slot into the PK. Although he doesn’t totally match Severson’s skills, he would be a strong replacement. Coming from the Bruins who just had a 65-win season but fell short in the first round of the playoffs, Clifton could be thrilled to land with a team like the Devils, who also had a fantastic season and have a bright future.

Notably, Clifton was born and raised in Monmouth County, New Jersey, so the Devils have their location as a selling point. In his 2023 exit interview, Clifton said he’s happy in Boston. If the Bruins pass on him, could the Devils run at a hometown boy? It’s certainly worth a shot, although he might deserve a longer contract than the Devils are willing to offer. Clifton isn’t the most talented pending UFA defenseman, but he’s a solid third-liner a team can count on. Landing Clifton could make the Devils an even stronger defensive team.