Devils Assign Forward to Conditioning Stint with AHL Utica

NEWARK — The New Jersey Devils assigned forward Nolan Foote to the American Hockey League on a conditioning stint with the Utica Comets.

Foote (23) started the 2023-24 season on season-opening injured reserve, suffering an undisclosed injury in the preseason.

The Devils forward has been skating on his own for the last couple of weeks and even joined the Devils for practice a week ago. Foote took line rushes as an extra on the blue line alongside defenseman Nick DeSimone.

Last season, Foote joined New Jersey for six games in the 2022-23 regular season. He scored one goal in six games and started to show signs of a potential bottom-six scoring threat.

In the AHL, Foote was one of the Comets’ top scorers netting 20 goals and 17 points for 37 assists.

Head coach Lindy Ruff has continually explained that Foote has been slowly but steadily progressing in the right direction after missing the majority of the 2023-24 season. His loan to Utica is certainly an indicator that Foote’s nearing a return to regular-season action.

If and when Foote returns to the Devils, New Jersey will have a decision to make as they’re capped with 23 players on the roster. An easy swap is Brian Halonen as the forward is waiver exempt. As of right now, Nathan Bastian doesn’t appear to be returning shortly as Ruff explained he’ll have a better update on the forward’s status in the future, but he’s going to miss a little bit of time.

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