JBD in a yr where he was in & out of the lineup led the team in blocked shots. What is one of their priorities leading into next season? Reducing their goals against. Having a guy who can blocks shots leads to less chances against which leads to less goals against.
I view JBD as at some point probably after Jensens's contract is up replacing him in the top 4 until Yakemchuk is NHL & top 4 ready, and/or being a permanent 3rd pairing with Kleven as a shutdown tandem. He is just starting to enter his prime & improve as the team is improving at the same time. In fact, a number of these young guys are all starting to enter into a time where everything starts coming together for them.