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Devils' Severson scratched vs. Capitals, understands big things expected of him

Ed Mulholland / USA TODAY Sports

New Jersey Devils head coach John Hynes has put one of his young defenseman on watch after only one game.

20-year-old Damon Severson will sit as a healthy scratch Saturday against Washington after what was deemed to be less than stellar performance in Friday's loss to Winnipeg.

After sitting down and talking about the decision with Hynes, Severson appears to have received the message in regards to what's expected.

"It's a message," Severson said, according to Tom Gulitti of Fire and Ice. "Obviously, (Hynes) is sending a message saying, 'Hey, we expect big things out of you and we want you to be a top four defenseman on this team. And to be that guy, you've got to be that guy that's hard to play against and who we can put out on the ice in any situation and be able to succeed.'"

Severson saw 18:37 of ice time in Friday's season-opening loss, recording three shots on goal and a 42.86 Corsi For at even strength.

Eric Gelinas will draw into the lineup in his stead.

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