Devils Daily: Michael McLeod Filling Hischier’s Big Shoes, Smith Hosting Kancer Jam, & More

The New Jersey Devils play again tonight after facing the Wild last night in Minnesota. This time, they’ll take on the St. Louis Blues in their first meeting of the season.

Michael McLeod has been good. Like, real good. As in, New Jersey potentially has something more than a fourth-line center in him. As a former first-round pick, maybe it shouldn’t come as such a surprise, but he’s been excellent in an elevated role.

Elsewhere, Pittsburgh may be forced to bench a veteran, Cale Makar is the best player on ice, the Panthers captain collects another franchise accolade, and more.

Let’s do that hockey.

New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils defeated the Minnesota Wild 5-3 on Thursday. It was a big performance from Michael McLeod filling the shoes of Nico Hischier, as well as another big night for the power play.

Devils.NHL.com: Devils defenseman Brendan Smith will host his first-ever Kancer Jam event on January 7, 2024 at a facility in Newark to be named at a later date.

National Hockey Now

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There’s no doubt that Jeff Carter is a respected veteran in the NHL. However, his role with the Penguins is diminishing. As a result, Vinnie Hinostroza is poised to knock him off Pittsburgh’s fourth line.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now: After playing with him for an abbreviated stint on the Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi says he knows Brad Marchand is “full of sh*t now.”

Colorado Avalanche

Colorado Hockey Now: If you ever wondered “Hmm, is anyone better than Cale Makar out there?” Well, here’s 25 seconds of the Avs defenseman being better than everyone else to put those thoughts to rest.

Florida Panthers

Florida Hockey Now: Sasha Barkov has already collected a number of franchise records with the Panthers. As of last night, he tallied another one when Florida took on the Detroit Red Wings.

Washington Capitals

Washington Hockey Now: Now that Niklas Backstrom has decided to take some time to reflect on his future away from the game of hockey, who will wear the A’s in his absence?

For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now and like our Facebook page.

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL