Brett Pesce
Goals: 1 Assists: 5 Points: 6
Grade: B
Brett Pesce is paired with Luke Hughes, who got himself an A+, so some might be surprised to see that the Devils’ newest defenseman is getting a B for his first-half performance. The Devils have had two great defensive pairs, but there is some evidence that Hughes’ superstar performance is masking some of Pesce’s flaws. And that’s okay! Pairs are meant to fit with each other like a puzzle, and it’s hard to say that Hughes would be better with anyone else.
Pesce has been a great addition to this defense, playing the right side and helping Hughes unlock his defensive prowess. He gives Hughes the confidence to make the play his instincts are telling him to make. Pesce needs to avoid the defensive zone giveaways, and he’ll see his grade improve in the second half.
Dougie Hamilton
Goals: 5 Assists: 20 Points: 25
Grade: B
Dougie Hamilton has been inconsistent this season, but he’s had a lot more good than bad. His offense has been as good as ever, as he’s taking more shots per 60 minutes than any defenseman in the league. He’s taking 19.4 shot attempts per 60 minutes, with Quinn Hughes finishing second in the league at the halfway point. Luke Hughes is second on the team, and he’s seven shot attempts behind Hamilton.
Hamilton is doing a little bit of everything for the Devils this season. He hasn’t been bad in any way, and his recovery from pectoral surgery has gone well. Has he been a $9 million defenseman? We think so. He’s not one of the best in the league, and Luke Hughes might pass him, but he’s been very good, especially at what he does best (shot attempts that lead to rebounds).
Brenden Dillon
Goals: 2 Assists: 9 Points: 11
Grade: C+
Brenden Dillon has been the Devils’ worst defenseman, but he hasn’t been bad. He makes some mistakes that can be frustrating, but he brings a lot to the table. His hitting impact can be seen in every game. He’s eighth in the entire league among defensemen with 108 hits. He’s also drawn 30 minutes in penalties, which shows he is getting under the skin of opposing players.
Dillon has been a positive influence on this defense, and he helps with the new mindset this defense is expected to have under Sheldon Keefe. Overall, this defense has been great. They might be a top-three unit in the entire league. It’s a crazy turnaround from where the defense was five years ago, and it’s even crazier to think about how many goals the Devils were allowing just last season.