New Jersey Devils notes: On a Siegenthaler bounce back and Hamilton's offensive impact

Siegenthaler is another player who could benefit from the Keefe hiring. Plus, notes on Hamilton's remarkable offensive impact.

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A few New Jersey Devils notes as we painfully await the end of the season and the fireworks to follow:

A welcomed change

In Friday’s Q&A post I was asked a lot about the impact Sheldon Keefe will have on the roster and who will benefit. Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec were a couple of players that quickly came to mind.

I recommend checking out the post in full but the cliffs notes as to why I mentioned those two: Keefe is not someone who’d attach Brendan Smith to Hughes – despite a mountain of evidence against it – while Nemec simply plays a fluid, cerebral style I think Keefe will take a great liking to.

Beyond the highly touted young defensemen, plenty of others should be excited about Keefe’s arrival. Jonas Siegenthaler is another I would put high on the list.

He was not himself last year. Although a season-long injury to his defense partner did not help the cause, there was more to Siegenthaler’s struggles than Hamilton’s absence.

His play wasn’t up to the level we’re used to. He struggled defending the opposing blueline, often being beaten one-on-one or backing up too much and allowing free entries as a way to try and avoid giving up a free path to the net. It was not good.

I think Keefe’s style will benefit Siegenthaler. He will have his forwards pressuring high up the ice and trying to kill more possessions before they really get started.

That should lead to more turnovers and failed exits from opposing teams, which means fewer instances where rush defense is necessary. That would help alleviate some of Siegenthaler’s struggles in that regard.

Keefe worked with an abundance of defenders who aren’t exactly fleet of foot in Toronto and did a great job of maximizing what they could do.

Ilya Lubushkin, for example, was an absolute tirefire on a Ducks team that couldn’t defend a lick. Yet he was acquired by the Maple Leafs and limited shots and expected goals as well as anybody while often of the lineup alongside Morgan Rielly.

Simon Benoit has averaged eight points per 82 games in his NHL career. He’s about as frightening as a golden retriever puppy with the puck on his stick. Keefe found a way to make him a key cog on Toronto’s defense.

If Keefe could have those guys – who aren’t overly mobile and offer little to nothing offensively – playing important minutes and defending well, there’s no reason he can’t get Siegenthaler going again.

He’s still 27 years old so there should still be plenty of good hockey in him. I think Keefe will get it out of him.

The Hamilton effect