Damon Severson Bio
Damon Severson (born August 7, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the second round, 60th overall, in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Severson has established himself as a steady two-way defenceman known for his mobility, right-handed shot, and ability to contribute offensively from the back end. He played junior hockey in Saskatchewan before embarking on his professional career that has spanned over a decade in the NHL.
Early Life and Background
Damon Severson was born on August 7, 1994, in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, to Doug Severson and Donna Dixon. He began skating at the age of two and enrolled in organized hockey at the age of four. Beyond hockey, Severson participated in several other sports during his youth, including football, baseball, basketball, and badminton. He grew up in Melville, Saskatchewan, where he developed his early hockey skills before advancing to higher levels of competition.
Severson played with the Yorkton Harvest of the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League and the Melville Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League during the 2009–10 season. His outstanding junior play caught the attention of Western Hockey League (WHL) scouts, leading to his selection as a ninth-round pick by the Kelowna Rockets in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.
Path to Professional Hockey
Severson made his major junior debut with the Kelowna Rockets at the age of 15 after impressing the coaching staff during training camp. He recorded his first career WHL goal on November 3, 2010, in a 5–2 win over the Kamloops Blazers. During his first full WHL season, he recorded four goals and seven assists for 11 points through 32 games, earning a selection to Team West at the 2011 World U-17 Hockey Challenge.
His breakthrough season came in 2011–12 when Severson finished with a career-high seven goals and 30 assists for 37 points through 56 games. He won the Rockets’ Most Improved Player award and was ranked 48th among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau. Following the season, he was invited to participate in the 2012 NHL Draft Combine before being selected 60th overall by the New Jersey Devils.
Damon Severson Career
New Jersey Devils (2013–2023)
After being drafted by the New Jersey Devils, Severson signed his three-year, entry-level contract on September 6, 2012, but was returned to the Kelowna Rockets for further development. He finished the 2012–13 WHL season with a career-high 52 points through 71 games, winning the Rockets Top Defenceman Award. He was also named to the WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team and served as an assistant captain for the Rockets. Following the WHL season, Severson signed an Amateur Tryout Agreement with the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League (AHL) and played two games before attending his first NHL training camp with New Jersey.
After attending the Devils’ 2014 rookie and training camp, Severson cracked the NHL roster prior to the start of the 2014–15 season. He was paired with veteran Andy Greene and given jersey number 28. Severson made his NHL debut on October 9, 2014, against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center. Two days later, he recorded his first career NHL point, an assist, against the Florida Panthers, and scored his first goal in the same game six minutes later. By December, he had tallied four goals and eight assists for 12 points through 32 games but missed several weeks due to a hairline fracture in his ankle. He finished his rookie season with five goals and 17 points in 51 games.
Severson’s play improved significantly during the 2016–17 season, recording a career-high 28 assists and 31 points. Head coach John Hynes noted Severson’s increased confidence and work ethic, stating his compete level was night and day from previous seasons. On October 29, 2016, Severson tallied his first game-winning goal in a victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. By November, he was tied with Taylor Hall for the Devils’ team lead in points.
Prior to the 2017–18 season, Severson signed a lucrative six-year, $25.2 million contract with the Devils worth $4,166,700 annually. During that season, he scored two goals in a 4–1 win over the New York Rangers, helping the team end a six-game losing streak. He also became the third defenceman in franchise history to score two goals against the New York Islanders. The Devils qualified for the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs, where they faced the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 1, falling in five games.
The 2018–19 NHL season saw Severson set a career-high in goals with 11 while tying his career-high in assists with 28. He scored the opening goal just 25 seconds into a game against the Boston Bruins, marking the fastest goal of the Devils’ season. On March 12, 2019, he recorded an assist on Kyle Palmieri’s goal to become the fourth Devils defenceman to record 100 assists before their 350th game. He was one of only two Devils players to compete in all 82 games that season.
Prior to the 2020–21 season, Severson was promoted to alternate captain by new head coach Lindy Ruff. Following the trade of Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac to the New York Islanders, he became the longest-tenured player on the roster at age 26. During the 2021–22 campaign, he played in his 500th career NHL game on November 18, 2021, against the Florida Panthers.
Columbus Blue Jackets (2023–Present)
On June 9, 2023, Severson signed an eight-year contract extension with New Jersey, but was immediately traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a sign-and-trade deal in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. The transaction marked the end of his decade-long tenure with the Devils organization and the beginning of a new chapter with Columbus. The Blue Jackets acquired Severson for his veteran experience and two-way ability on defence.
Driving Style and Strengths
Severson is known for his exceptional mobility and skating ability, which allows him to transition smoothly between offensive and defensive situations. His right-handed shot provides value on the power play, and he has demonstrated the ability to contribute offensively while maintaining solid defensive positioning. Coaches have praised his confidence with the puck, willingness to accept contact to make plays, and his improved work ethic and compete level over his career. His hockey IQ and poise have allowed him to log significant minutes against top opponents throughout his career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Severson has reached several significant milestones. He became the fourth Devils defenceman to record 100 assists before his 350th game. He scored the game-tying goal with just 0.4 seconds remaining in regulation during the 2019 IIHF World Championship quarterfinal against Switzerland, helping Canada advance to the semifinals in dramatic fashion. He has also been recognized as a durable player, appearing in 82 games during the 2018–19 season and consistently logging heavy ice time for his teams.
Damon Severson Career Wins
Throughout his professional and international career, Severson has accumulated notable achievements across multiple competitions. His NHL career includes consistent point production from the blue line and several memorable individual performances.
International Highlights
Severson has represented Canada at both the junior and senior international levels. He won a bronze medal at the 2012 IIHF World U18 Championships. At the senior level, he helped Team Canada capture a silver medal at the 2019 IIHF World Championship in Slovakia, contributing one goal and five assists in ten games. He rejoined the national team for the 2022 IIHF World Championship, where Canada again finished with silver after losing to Finland in the gold medal game. He was selected for his third senior national team appearance in advance of the 2024 IIHF World Championship.
Junior Career Achievements
During his WHL career with the Kelowna Rockets, Severson won the Rockets’ Most Improved Player award and the Rockets’ Top Defenceman Award twice. He was named to the WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team following his final junior season.
Damon Severson Family
Family Background
Damon Severson was born in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, to Doug Severson and Donna Dixon. He grew up in Melville, Saskatchewan, where he developed his passion for hockey. Beyond hockey, Severson participated in multiple sports during his youth, including football, baseball, basketball, and badminton, showing athletic versatility from an early age.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2024–25 NHL season, Severson continues to be a key component of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ defensive corps. Now in his second season with the organization, he brings a veteran presence and playoff experience to a relatively young blue line. The Blue Jackets are counting on his ability to log significant minutes, contribute offensively from the back end, and mentor younger defencemen as they develop within the system.