The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Ben Lovejoy hoping he could help replace Adam Larsson.
In theory it makes some sense. Both are right handed shots who won't 'wow' you with point totals or a flashy game but they are capable of holding their own while chewing up minutes.
Larsson is certainly the superior player but one area Lovejoy can more than adequately replace the former is on the penalty kill.
Here is how the two stack up in a few major PK categories dating from 2013-16.
Larsson's numbers in each category are definitely respectable but Lovejoy has him beat in all three while logging a similar amount of ice over the three-year span.
That's far from a slight towards Larsson, though, as Lovejoy has been one of the best PKers in the league.
Over the last three seasons Lovejoy's been on the ice for 4.10 goals against per 60 minutes of 4 v 5 ice. That ranks him 2nd among 114 blue liners who have logged at least 300 minutes in that span. Lovejoy's goals against per 60 relative to his team ranks him 8th best. His shot attempt against numbers aren't as impressive (45/114) but he still ranks above average in that regard.
Lovejoy can't produce as much offense as Larsson nor log the same ridiculously tough minutes (22:30 per night vs top competition) but he can definitely fill the void left by Larsson on the penalty kill.
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