What a strange season it's been for the New Jersey Devils so far. After a franchise-best 2022-23 season, things have not come together this year. Through injuries, inconsistent play, and whatever words you'd choose to describe the team's goaltending, it hasn't been great. However, at the halfway point, the Devils are still very much in the mix for a playoff spot.
On an individual player front, there has been a wide array of performances. From career years to possible career killers, there's been a lot to evaluate so far. With school back in session after the holiday break, now is a great time to black (or red) pen and grade these New Jersey Devils defensemen and goalies in the first half of the season.
Dougie Hamilton (5G - 11A - 16Pts)
What a disappointing season it's turned out to be for Dougie Hamilton. After a career year in 2022-23, this season was shaping up to be a big one for him. Before his injury, Hamilton was putting up his usual offense and was always a threat on the ice because of his shot. However, the torn pec injury that he suffered in November likely keeps him out for the regular season and flipped the Devils defense core on its head. While he hadn't been as good to start the season as he was last year, his presence is dearly missed on the backend.
Grade: B
Luke Hughes (7G - 16A - 23Pts)
Entering the season, Luke Hughes was treated as the chosen one. The Devils number one A+ prospect showed flashes of greatness in limited viewings last season. And while there's been plenty of gaffes and blunders along the way, Luke has been as advertised. He leads all rookie defensemen in points, and with Connor Bedard injured, he now has a clear path to the Calder. He's by no means polished as a defenseman, but the one thing he was guaranteed to bring right out of the gate was offense, and he's done just that. Through just 41 games, Luke Hughes already looks like a star.
Grade: B+
Jonas Siegenthaler (1G - 7A - 8Pts)
The regression of Jonas Siegenthaler this year has been tough to watch. In the previous two seasons, he looked on track to be one of the top shutdown defensemen in the league, but this season has shown major regression. His Corsi and Fenwick percentages are all sub-50%, and the eye test backs it up. This year, he has regularly been out of position, as well as uncharacteristically chasing and mishandling the puck. This season has gone from bad to worse after Siegenthaler broke his foot blocking a shot and will now be out indefinitely.