Training camp is set to begin next week, which means actual hockey games are
right around the corner. One question that remains for the New Jersey Devils is
 how their blue line will perform after a shaky 2017-18. There';s one
defenseman who will have the attention of Devils head coach John Hynes and his
staff.

That would be Damon Severson, who had an up and down 2017-18. He';s entering
the second year of a six-year extension he signed last summer that pays him
just over $4 million a year. Now more than ever, the Devils need him to meet
expectations. Can he rebound and give the team consistent top-four minutes in
2018-19?Severson';s Inconsistent 2017-18

Severson had a tough time finding his game last season. He fell out of favor
with Hynes and was a healthy scratch on a few occasions. Severson';s posted
strong five-on-five numbers in the past. However, he had some mixed results
last season.

He had a relative Corsi For (Rel CF%) of 2.23% and a relative expected goals
for (Rel xGF%) of minus-2.83%. The Devils were also outscored 56-64 with him on
 the ice, but he was the victim of some bad luck. The Devils had a .906 save
percentage (SV%) when he was on the ice, which was the lowest of any of their
defenseman in 2017-18.Damon Severson is looking to rebound after an up and down
 season in 2017-18. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Severson';s shot suppression rates also increased. In 2016-17, the Devils
averaged 51.59 shot attempts against per 60 minutes (SAA/60) when he was on the
 ice. That number jumped to 58.98 SAA/60 last season. He also had the most
giveaways on the team for a defenseman.

Although his shot rates were not as strong as in previous years, Severson made
strides in other notable areas. The following visual shows his impact in the
offensive, neutral, and defensive zones in each of the last two seasons.Visual
by CJ Turturo, data by Corey Sznajder

The two areas where Severson saw the most improvement last season were in zone
entries and entry defense. His zone entry rates with puck possession increased
at a good clip from 2016-17. He was also the Devils'; best defenseman at
denying zone entries with puck possession.

There';s no doubt that Severson had an inconsistent season. His shot rates
lagged, and he needs to clean up his turnover rates. At the same time, he did
some positive things that should work to his advantage moving forward,
especially in a top-four role.Severson Should Benefit from a New Defense
Partner

Severson spent a good part of the last three seasons paired with John Moore.
Moore signed a five-year deal with the Boston Bruins this summer, which means
Severson will be playing alongside a different defenseman this season.

The most likely candidate to replace Moore is Will Butcher, who had an
outstanding rookie season in 2017-18. Severson and Butcher fared well when
together last season, although it was in a small sample size. In 233 minutes
together, the Devils had a 51.75% Corsi For (CF%) and a 52.52% expected goals
(xGF%) with them on the ice.Damon Severson should benefit from having a new
defense partner in 2018-19. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

If Severson isn';t alongside Butcher, he could find himself reunited with Andy
Greene. The two did not play much together last season but have had success in
the past. They';ve spent 706 minutes together since 2015, posting a 50.4% CF%
and 49.22% xGF%. They also had a positive impact on the team';s shot rates.

Severson';s worst results over the last three seasons came when he was with
Moore - the Devils had a 49.21% CF% and 47.19 xGF% with them together. Whether
it';s Butcher or Greene, Severson should benefit from playing with either one
in the Devils'; top four.Related: Can Devils'; Santini Make a
Breakthrough?Severson';s Consistency Key to Devils'; Top Four

There is some uncertainty with Severson, but he can still be an answer for the
Devils'; blue line. He';s faced some adversity but did take steps forward in a
couple of critical areas last season.

There are parts of his game he needs to work on that numbers can';t show, too.
He';s not one of the Devils'; more aggressive defenseman. He sometimes
struggles in and around the net, as well as along the boards. The key for him
will be finding consistency, as he told Abbey Mastracco in a June 1 post on
northjersey.com.

"Consistency is the biggest thing in this league," Severson said. "It's so
tough to find your game every night with the travel or whatever excuses may be.
 I need to be able to find my consistency, find my skating game every night. I
think I know what I bring to the table, it's just a matter of being consistent
with that." (from 'What the Devils'; Damon Severson knows he needs to show next
 season,'; Northjersey.com - 6/1/18)The New Jersey Devils should expect Damon
Severson to be a major contributor on their blue line in 2018-19. (Amy Irvin /
The Hockey Writers)

The last thing the Devils need is Severson coming out of the lineup because of
a bad game or two. That will put them in a bind because they don';t have many
top-four options to make up for him if his performance suffers.

The good news is there are positives to build on. The improved zone entry and
entry defense numbers are a good start. Playing alongside Butcher, who';s style
 could compliment Severson, should help. If not, he';s played enough minutes
with Greene to be comfortable with him. If that can help him find the
consistency he';s seeking, he';ll help shore up the Devils'; top four.*    *
   *Advanced stats from Corsica Hockey except where noted

The post Devils Need Consistency from Severson appeared first on The Hockey
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