New Jersey Devils’ Damon Severson Is NHL’s Top Rookie Thus Far

By Nick Villano @nick_villano on October 28, 2014

It is way too early to try and project who is going to win trophies at the end of the NHL season, but it is hard to ignore just how good Damon Severson has been for the New Jersey Devils. He is one of the extremely early Calder Trophy candidates, has keeping Adam Larsson, a former fourth-overall pick, in the press box. He is one of the main cogs, along with Eric Gelinas and Jon Merrill, in a young up-and-coming defense.

Severson is currently second among all rookies in points. The only one who is higher than him is the Los Angeles Kings‘ Tanner Pearson, who is scoring at an unattainable 46.7 percent rate. He is only behind Dennis Wideman among all defensemen in goals with four. His numbers have spoken for themselves this season.

If he continues at this rate, Severson can have a very special season. He is currently on pace for 41 goals and 71 points. Those numbers seem illogical, but even if he gets close, he could be the favorite for the top rookie in the league.

Severson has been one reason why the Devils have gone from one of the worst scoring offenses in the league to a top-10 scoring team. The Devils’ powerplay has been especially good, ranking second in the league at 28.6 percent. Severson has three PP points.

It isn’t like he has been a slouch on the defensive side either. Severson is +6 on the season, tied for best on the team with his linemate Andy Greene. He hasn’t allowed the bad goals that some of the other defensive pairs have allowed. He has outplayed veterans Bryce Salvador and Marek Zidlicky. He has Devils fans excited for the present and the future.

His competition isn’t very high at this point. There are only a few rookies who made rosters. Some will be called up, and they can light the world on fire. For now, there isn’t a better rookie in the NHL than Severson.