Defense has been an issue for the New Jersey Devils since their run of playoff runs ended back in 2013. Even when they went to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012, that team wasn’t winning because of the blue line. They actually just had an insane strategy in the defensive zone.
It’s been a major problem, but it hasn’t been for a lack of effort. Over the past seven drafts, the Devils have used six picks in the top three rounds on defensemen. That brought them Steve Santini, Josh Jacobs, Reilly Walsh, Ty Smith, Nikita Okhotyuk and Daniil Misyul.