Devils Daily: The One Where Damon Severson Was Traded

Newark, NJ – Remember a few days ago when the Devils Daily said General Managers were eager to make moves? Well, none are more eager than Columbus Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen who has already made two impact trades. First, he acquired Ivan Provorov from the Philadelphia Flyers. Then he contacted Tom Fitzgerald and the New Jersey Devils. This daily is the one where Damon Severson was traded.

A first look at Severson in Union Blue:

Looking good in the Union Blue, Damon 👍 pic.twitter.com/QobelnSSE5

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) June 9, 2023

Weird.

New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Hockey Now: Learning that his time in New Jersey was over fairly quickly following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, Severson was supposed to be heading to unrestricted free agency. It was unfamiliar territory for the 28-year-old defenseman that spent nine seasons with the Devils. The second-ever sign and trade to the Blue Jackets was relieving and Severson couldn’t be happier to have landed in Columbus.

NJ Advance Media: Elliotte Friedman told a story on 32 Thoughts the Podcast recently. He claimed that the Boston Bruins almost traded Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton to the Arizona Coyotes back in the day. The trade that never happened would have sent the third overall pick in 2015 to Boston. Instead, Arizona opted to select Dylan Strome.

The Athletic: From the Blue Jackets’ perspective, Aaron Portzline and Shayna Goldman take a look at what the acquisition means for Columbus’ defense and where the personnel might fit. From the Devils’ perspective, the duo reveals why the trade is a win for New Jersey and why Severson was the sacrificial lamb.

Stanley Cup Final

Vegas Hockey Now: The Vegas Golden Knights missed the opportunity to make Game 3 a 3-0 game while on the man advantage. As a result, the Florida Panthers mounted the comeback win. Friday was a day for Vegas to take a mental break and reflect on the weak spot the Golden Knights found in their game.

Florida Hockey Now: Sergei Bobrovsky has been good. Realy good. In the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final, however, it almost looked like Vegas had him figured out. Following their Game 3 comeback win, Bobrovsky has helped breathe new life into Florida.

National Hockey Now

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now: Could Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald have started a trend? The Bruins have a pair of pending free agents other teams would surely want to get their hands on before they reach UFA status. Could Boston consider trading Dmitry Orlov and Tyler Bertuzzi?

Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Hockey Now: It’s been almost seven years since Patrick Roy’s time in the NHL as a head coach came to an end. Now, he’s a Memorial Cup Champion as head coach of the Quebec Ramparts. The former NHL goaltender reflects on his time in the NHL as a head coach and pleads his case for a second chance.

San Jose Sharks

San Jose Hockey Now: If Mitvei Michkov wasn’t definitely returning to the KHL for the next several seasons, he could be in the conversation as the No.1 pick of the 2023 NHL Draft. However, SJHN reports that there might just be character concerns with the top prospect.

Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings could use a right-shot defenseman. The Devils had one heading to open market. Unfortunately for Detroit, the Blue Jackets swiped Severson up before anyone else could have a chance. Now,  the Red Wings defense options are already dwindling.

Calgary Flames

Calgary Hockey Now: The Flames have been searching for a head coach for weeks. They were in the Andrew Brunette picture and they’ve toyed with the idea of promoting Mitch Love. Instead, the Flames are reportedly settled on someone new. On Monday, we’re to hear about Calgary hiring Ryan Huska as their new head coach.

Buffalo Sabes

Buffalo Hockey Now: The Red Wings weren’t the only club to see their offseason wishlist dwindle. Severson would have likely been the most valuable contract on the open market. The top-four defenseman is/was a hot commodity. Now that he’s locked in with the Blue Jackets, the Sabres options are dwindling on defense.

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