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Devils' Severson back in lineup Tuesday, aims to stay out of press box

Ed Mulholland / USA TODAY Sports

Damon Severson has had his fill of press box popcorn.

Scratched from the New Jersey Devils' lineup for Saturday's loss to the Washington Capitals, the 21-year-old defenseman will be back on the ice Tuesday against the Nashville Predators and aims to remain there for the long haul.

"I had a good chat with a few people and just pretty much said, 'I want to be in the next 80 games,'" Severson said Tuesday, according to Tom Gulitti of Fire and Ice. "I sat out my game and that's all I want to be out for for the year.

"As long as I'm playing in the next 80 games at the level I know I can play at to contribute to the team, I'm going to be successful and the team should be successful too, not only because of myself but because of all my teammates."

Head coach John Hynes is pleased with the way Severson has responded.

"Like any young guy, sometimes having that consistency shift in and shift out with your puck decisions and your defensive play are things we want," Hynes said. "It doesn't have to be perfect. We'd just like to see him have a high compete level and we know he's ready to go. We had a couple good meetings with him, he's in a good spot mentally, and I know he's ready to roll."

Severson, drafted 60th overall by the Devils in 2012, recorded five goals and 12 assists while averaging almost 22 minutes per game last season.

John Moore will miss the game as he deals with a bone bruise in his right forearm, clearing the way for Severson's return.

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