Severson Appears Ready, Smith Close | BLOG

Defenseman Damon Severson went through a full-contract practice Monday for the first time since suffering a lower-body injury and could make his season debut Tuesday night when the
Devils host the expansion Seattle Kraken
at
Prudential Center
at 7 p.m. EST.
"Looks like (Severson) is ready to play," head coach Lindy Ruff said. "He skated up (to me) and said, 'I'm ready.' I said, 'I think you need a few more days of skating.' He said, 'No, I don't.' That's what went into that decision. … The plan would be to play him."
For Severson, the final hurdle is how he feels after Monday's practice.
"Just making sure my body reacts well from today's practice and I'll be good to go for (Tuesday) hopefully," said Severson, who was limited to one preseason game since suffering a lower-body injury at a practice. "It's the waiting game, making sure everything lines up properly.
"I feel good. I feel ready to play. Hopefully, I'm good for tomorrow. I could have a bad reaction. I don't think that will be case and I hope that's not the case. I should be good to go for (Tuesday) barring any changes."

Meanwhile, Ty Smith, who missed the entire preseason slate with a lower-body injury, also participated in full-contract practice Monday, though his timeline is a little longer than Severson for a return to play.
"Ty needs a few more days," Ruff said.
Smith hasn't played since May 3, 2021, having missed the final four regular-season games last year and all of the recently concluded preseason campaign.
"It's been frustrating. It's been a while since I've been able to play," he said. "But things are going well. It's good to be back out there with the guys in the regular jersey today.
"I felt good. It was a positive day, lots of fun. I definitely missed playing so hopefully that's coming soon."
Severson suffered his injury after stepping on a puck in practice at the Oct. 1 morning skate. He left the ice immediately and received treatment from the training staff for a muscle issue.
"Muscles heal. It just needed the time to heal," Severson said. "A little rehab to strengthen it back up and get to a point where there is no pain or soreness.
"Pretty much healthy now. I should be good going forward. It's nice being back out there with the guys."
Severson was initially given a 2-4 week timetable for returning, and hoped it would be in time for the Devils' season opener last Friday against Chicago. Unfortunately, Severson was limited to a spectator for New Jersey's dramatic 4-3 overtime win.
"An electric game with the fans here, a packed house. It was crazy," Severson said. "I was jealous of those guys being out there. I wished I was out there with them."