DitD & Open Post – 7/15/24: Top Shutdown Defender Edition

New Jersey Devils & Related Hockey Links for 7/15/24

Here are your links for today:

Devils Links

On the addition of Brett Pesce: “Though there is some risk in giving the soon-to-be 30-year-old Pesce a six-year contract, I’m a big fan of this signing for the Devils. It’s not that Marino is a bad defenseman by any stretch, but Pesce addresses some flaws the team had defensively last season. Plus, he will become their top shutdown defender, allowing Hamilton, Hughes and probably Nemec to excel in easier offensive minutes. And the Devils should be better for that in 2024-25.” [Devils on the Rush]

On Jacob Markstrom: “NHL Edge statistics had Markstrom tops in the league in high-danger save percentage (.857) and tied for fifth in high-danger saves. And that came playing for a Calgary team that ultimately traded away three of its top-six defensemen (Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov). More than any other individual player, it was Markstrom who kept the Flames competitive until the final month.” [The Athletic ($)]

Just thinking about one of the best:

“He’s an aggressive, strong skating defenseman who has already shown at a young age that he can prioritize defending in a physical manner. This looks like a player who’s committed to that style of defense, which this team is going to benefit from down the road.” On the addition of Anton Silayev to the prospect pool: [NHL.com]

​​Hockey Links

Anyone left available in free agency you’d still be interested in? [Daily Faceoff]

A look at the names associated with the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers that have been engraved on the best trophy in sports: [Florida Hockey Now]

A look at the diet and calories it takes to get to the NHL: “It’s a job. It really is.” [The Athletic ($)]

Which of these guys would you want to build around?

Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.