What I'd like to see from each New Jersey Devils defenseman in 2022-23

From Hamilton to Geertsen, I covered nine different players.

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Training camps open up league-wide in just over two weeks and the regular season will quickly follow.

With that in mind, I wanted to go player-by-player and share what I’d like to see from each New Jersey Devils defenseman this year.

We’ll start with the highest paid and work our way down.

Dougie Hamilton

Unleash offensively. After putting up 30 points while appearing in only 62 games, Hamilton’s debut season in New Jersey was understandably seen as a disappointment. There were, however, plenty of encouraging signs beneath the surface.

He averaged more than a point per 60 at 5v5 – as he has every year of his career – and led all NHL defensemen in efficiency when it came to generating shot attempts, shots on goal, scoring chances, and high-danger chances.

With better health and puck luck – not to mention a useful power play – I think we would’ve seen the big outputs everyone expected.

Considering the Devils brought in a new PP coach, quality defensive talent to free Hamilton for more opportune situations, and the fact he’s had a long summer to heal, he should be able to hit the ground running and put together a very productive campaign.

Some have asked me if I’m concerned about his contract and/or an imminent decline. Not in the slightest.

John Marino