Photo: Sportsnet
The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired the rights to unrestricted free agent Damon Severson from the New Jersey Devils for the 80th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft (originally acquired from the Calgary Flames, via the Seattle Kraken). New Jersey re-signed the 28-year-old to an eight-year contract extension that carries a cap of $6.25 million before he can be traded.
While he averaged 19:57 per game (fourth among New Jersey defensemen), including 1:21 on the power play (second) and 1:02 on the power play (fifth), Severson had seven goals, 33 points , +9 rating, 56.54% five-on-five scoring percentage (78th in the NHL), 60.68% five-on-five goals expected percentage (43), and 59.64% five-on-five scoring chances percentage (55).
Damon Severson, acquired and signed 8×6.25M by CJB, is an analytical offensive defenseman with excellent passing ability whose penchant for the occasional big mistake often irked Devils fans. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/nN46AcHw1F
– JFresh (JFresh Hockey) June 9, 2023
Columbus, who acquired defender Ivan Provorov from the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, adds another player after the team gave up the second-most goals per game (4.01) and the eighth-worst penalties (75.1%) last season. The team finished last in the Eastern Conference by 11 points and is set to name Mike Babcock as their new head coach after his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expires on June 30.
Severson, who scored a goal and three points in 12 postseason games for New Jersey last spring, has 58 goals and 263 points in 647 regular season games. He achieved career highs in goals (11), assists (35), and points (46) in 80 games during the 2021-22 season.
New Jersey is losing a key piece of its defense after finishing eighth in goals per game (2.71), 13th in power play efficiency (21.9%), and fourth in penalty kick efficiency (82.6%).
By Harrison Brown