Yeah, context matter, because he isn't sub par defensively. He makes mistakes occasionally, but most of the time he is reliable. But this discussion is pointless if everything you know about Severson is based on those two earlies games against the Maple Leafs.
I don't know what you think about Siegel, but he thought Severson would be a perfect fit for the Leafs.
"Severson would be a perfect fit for the Leafs — and a perfect fit for Muzzin, in particular. Of all the guys on this list, I think he fits best as a solution for now and later. Severson can really move the puck. He’s poised with it and aligns with the way this team wants to play. Severson has the kind of size (6-foot-2, over 200 pounds) that makes him a fit for the kind of responsibility the Leafs would need him for. He’s not particularly physical but uses his length and stick to defend — almost like a larger version of Brodie."
Maple Leafs trade targets: Which defencemen should Toronto add before the deadline?