The New Jersey Devils came into this preseason with major problems on the blue line. The team’s defense was awful last year, and all they did to fix it was trade for a failed first-round pick and sign a college free agent.
The thing is, this defense doesn’t look half bad. That is, outside of Ben Lovejoy.
Will Butcher has some defensive lapses, but his command of the powerplay makes him a true asset. Plus, he has plenty of time to fix those mistakes. Damon Severson looks ready to become the go-to guy on the blue line.