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Devils Report Cards Defense: The Good |
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Devils Report Cards Defense: The Good
Luke Hughes: A
Hughes is elite in every skill area. In addition his defensive prowess improved greatly this season. Fans must realize that this is a 21 year old defender logging over 20 plus minutes on a nightly basis. To do so as effectively as he has is unheard of over the history of the game. As we all know, Hughes brothers come back bigger, better and stronger every season. Expect Luke to be an A+ next season.
Jonas Siegenthaler: B+
A near perfect defender, Siegenthaler uses his size, reach and skating ability to limit opponents. Ranking near the very top of the league in all defensive metrics, he has become an elite NHL shutdown man. His lack of flash can often have the casual fan overlooking his value, but the numbers don’t lie. Acquired for a conditional third round pick in 2021, Jonas exceeds all expectations, even the newer ones that have been placed upon him.
Simon Nemec: B
Four playoff games turned this grade from a C- or D, to the B it is today. The second overall pick in 2022 had a very underwhelming regular season in his 27 NHL games. Nemec struggled to tie up bodies and sticks net front in addition to poor decisions. In addition, his skating, zone exits, and offense all seemed to regress from 23’-24’. Those factors coupled with the rumblings (whether misinterpreted or not) of him being upset with his role in the organization, had his stock plummeting and trade value severely diminished.
Then the switch flipped. In the playoffs, Nemec was crisp and strong on pucks, unlocking a new level of play. His Double OT Winner in game 3 was officially his welcome to the NHL moment. While more growth is needed, the once lowered expectations are right back to draft day levels.
Brendan Dillon: B
Dillon is exactly as advertised. A textbook defender and physical presence on the back end for New Jersey. Playing in all 82 regular season games, the modern day Daneyko makes it hell for opponents in front of the net and in the corners. If he didn’t get hurt in game one of the playoffs, we may have seen even more of his value and a B+ rating.
Jonathan Kovacevic: B
A solid bottom pair D man. Physical and often precise puck mover. “Kovacevic needs to play better,” on some nights, but overall a perfect fit in NJ’s 5th/6th slot. Not bad value for the 4th round pick in 2026 that he was traded for.
Seamus Casey: B
With the Devils entering the season injured on the back end, Casey started the year with an opportunity to prove his worth, and that he did. The smooth and elusive defender scored three goals in his first five NHL games. His poise with the puck at the blue line and ability to pick corners was on full display. A bit undersized, Casey will need to work on defending as his body matures into more of an NHL frame.
Brian Dumolin: B
Dumolin stepped up big time in the playoffs for a depleted NJ back end, logging major minutes with ease. The veteran defenseman adapted to the Devils system quickly and was a valuable piece for Coach Sheldon Keefe throughout the post season. With a log jam on defense, the 33 year old UFA is no guarantee to return, but by no reason is it a performance based decision.
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