Damon Severson

History

2009-10: Damon Severson was selected by Kelowna in the ninth round (192nd overall) of the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft, Severson appeared in five games for the Rockets and appeared in one game for the Junior A Melville Millionaires; playing most of the season with the midget AAA Yorkton Harvest in the SMHL. Severson was minus-four with no points or penalties in his brief time with Kelowna and had 1 assist and 2 penalty minutes for the Millionaires. In 44 games for Yorkton he scored 9 goals with 25 assists and had 53 penalty minutes. The Harvest finished seventh in the regular season. In four playoff games Severson had 1 goal (on the power play) and 1 assist with 18 penalty minutes.

2010-11: Severson played 64 games in his first full WHL season with Kelowna and represented Canada Western in the 2011 U17 World Hockey Challenge. He scored 4 goals with 13 assists and had 53 penalty minutes. Severson shared the team's third-best plus/minus (plus-11) with teammate Evan Bloodoff. The Rockets finished first in the B.C. Division and reached the second round of the playoffs.  Severson scored 2 goals in 10 playoff games and was plus-one with 13 penalty minutes. In five games at the WHC he had 2 assists and 4 penalty minutes.

2011-12: Severson skated in 56 games for Kelowna in his second WHL season and represented Canada at the 2012 U18 World Junior Championship. He scored 7 goals and was second on the rockets with 30 assists; finishing plus-five with 80 penalty minutes. Kelowna slipped to third in the B.C. Division and was swept by WHL Finals-bound Portland in the first round of the playoffs. In four playoff games Severson scored 2 goals and was minus-nine with 2 penalty minutes. Severson had two assists and was one of three players with a team-high plus-seven plus/minus for Canada at the U18 WJC. Canada defeated Finland in the bronze medal game. Severson was invited to the NHL Draft Combine and was ranked 48th amongst North American skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings prior to the 2012 NHL Draft. Severson signed a three-year entry entry-level contract with New Jersey in September, 2012.

 

Talent Analysis

Severson is a well-rounded defenseman, who contributes at both ends of the rink. He tries to model his game after fellow Kelowna alum and current Nashville Predator star Shea Weber. He displays a calm and poised demeanour with the puck, which helps accentuate his top-notch puck-moving skills. He's equally adept at launching an offensive attack with sharp outlet passing as he is rushing the puck up the ice with his good skating ability. He also has a heavy shot that he is not afraid to unleash. Defensively, Severson has the odd brain-cramp here-and-there, but is usually in good position to make the right play. He enjoys the physical part of the game, and as he continues to fill out his frame, he should become even more proficient in that regard.

 

Future

Severson doesn't project as a first pairing defender long-term, but he does possess the requisite skills and all-around game to flourish as an all-weather, second pairing rearguard who can contribute on special teams. He’ll return to the Rockets for his third season of junior this fall.