Injured New Jersey Devils Defensemen Returns Nearing

NEWARK — Okay, so there was a lot that happened on Monday. The New Jersey Devils hit ice for morning skate and did so without their top prospect, Seamus Casey, who was loaned to the Utica Comets after eight games. The transaction foreshadowed what head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed, as the Devils appear nearing a fully healthy blue line.

READ: Devils Send Top Prospect to AHL, Recall Defenseman

Daniil Misyul was recalled from the Utica Comets as a corresponding move to Seamus Casey‘s demotion. However, that’s not a permanent solution, as reinforcements are coming.

Following Monday’s morning skate, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that although they won’t play on Tuesday against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the returns of Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce are imminent.

There’s a chance that when the two return, they will make up for one full defensive duo themselves. Each player has been participating in the Devils’ morning skates of late, and have been linked up as an extra pair.

The Devils have stayed afloat with a hampered blue line which includes the injury to defenseman Santeri Hatakka.

Casey was part of buoying New Jersey who sit atop the NHL with 11 points through eight games. As are the performances of Jonas Siegenthaler and Johnathan Kovacevic, who have stood out as one of the Devils’ best duos.

However, Misyul is the easy exclusion. When Hughes returns, Misyul will certainly head back to Utica. The decision comes on the right side. It won’t be Dougie Hamilton. Therefore, it’s down to Kovacevic and Simon Nemec.

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Although Keefe explained Nemec has been better of late, he conceded the sophomore defenseman has struggled. A decision on ice time is coming, and could be sooner than later.

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