There weren't a lot of positives for the New Jersey Devils during the 2014-15 season, but rookie defenseman Damon Severson was certainly an exception.
He didn't get a lot of league-wide recognition for his play - likely because he missed some time, and all the other quality rookies this season - but Severson was excellent for the Devils, and was able to accomplish something not many do.
Since the 2008-09 season, 21 rookie defensemen have averaged more than 1.2 shots per game while suiting up in more than 50 games (via Hockey-Reference.com). Only 12 of those 21 averaged 1.5 shots per game ore more, and only five averaged 1.8 or more.
Those five: Calder finalist Aaron Ekblad, Erik Karlsson, Travis Hamonic, Jacob Trouba and Severson.
Some of the players Severson has averaged more shots per game than: Cam Fowler, Drew Doughty, Justin Faulk, Hampus Lindholm, Kevin Shattenkirk, Victor Hedman and Seth Jones, among many others.
The only player who probably isn't considered a top-4 defenseman to crack the list is Luke Schenn, so Severson is clearly in elite company, which is something I wrote about as the season progressed.
His shot rates weren't the only encouraging aspect of his game, as the Devils were a better team with him on the ice, and almost every player on the team was better with Severson than without him.
Sorted from most minutes together (left) to least (right). As you can see, 11 of the 12 players Severson played 150+ 5 vs 5 minutes - Elias being the exception - posted better numbers with Severson on the ice.
His underlying numbers aren't the only thing going for him, either, as he also produced a respectable five goals and 17 points in 51 games, while finishing 26th in the NHL (minimum 100 minutes) in 5 vs 4 points/60.
That puts him just below Erik Karlsson, and ahead of P.K. Subban, Shea Weber, and Victor Hedman to name a few.
Severson did that in a smaller sample size, but he also did it with less talent around him.
I'm not saying Severson is a sure bet to be a star, but when you combine his outstanding junior numbers with what he was able to do as a rookie in the NHL, there's reason to be optimistic.
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