Kevin Bahl, the New Jersey Devils’ hulking southpaw defender, was locked up to a two-year deal earlier this week. He has become a fan favorite this season on the Devils blueline. Ryan McGill looks to play a big part in Bahl’s career on defense for the next two seasons. Bahl is getting $2.1 million in total over the next two years.
GM Tom Fitzgerald has done a great job keeping the young man in the red and black in The Garden State of Hockey for the next two seasons. In the past three seasons, the Devils have seen a lot of stable growth in Kevin’s offensive ability, but the true upside comes from his physical and defensive play.
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Kevin Bahl’s 15 points and three goals per 82 rate last season show his passing and his shots on net are being utilized more than prior seasons. He could eventually spike to possibly 20-25 points. On the +/-, Kevin Bahl is looking at the possibility of +8 being a positive influence for being out on the ice when his teammates score.
Kevin Bahl has re-signed with the New Jersey Devils to a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.05M. This is very fair deal for both sides in our eyes. Bahl is good third-pairing defenseman for New Jersey. pic.twitter.com/q7tagZ6tYc
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) July 31, 2023
One of the key concerns would be if Bahl can avoid the penalty box. If he just improves his stickhandling and clean hit timing he can avoid those minor infractions. But he’s growing in the right direction in other areas. If he can get his minutes past 1,100 and his shot attempts passed 150, then he will hit his peak performance.
The former Ottawa 67s prospect has the ability to get 74 blocked shots, 125 hits, and 15 takeaways this season. That would be incredibly impactful on the defensive side. The fact that he made such an impact in the first round against the New York Rangers and going full-on Chewbacca was a pleasant sight to see.
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Don’t be surprised if Bahl approaches the 200-350 hits mark over the next five years. The hitting and the physical play up front will be paramount in front of the goalie crease while blocking shots on net. For opponents trying to defend against Kevin Bahl on the breakout or in his defensive zone, it’ll be an extremely hard time, especially when John Marino is on his right flank. Bahl has the ability to become a top-two defenseman and bring that stability and inject fear in opponents. Let’s wait and see the progression of this Sasquatch defender grow over time.