Devils Move Bastian, Lazar to Injured Reserve; Recall Four Players

The New Jersey Devils have signaled for reinforcements. On Monday, general manager Tom Fitzgerald announced he placed Nathan Bastian on long-term injured reserve, retro to 11/1/24, and Curtis Lazar on injured reserve, retro to 10/27/24. In a corresponding move, the Devils have recalled four players from the American Hockey League.

It looks like Justin Dowling and Nick DeSimone‘s recent assignments to the Utica Comets were just paper transactions. On Sunday, the Devils announced they sent the duo down to the AHL. Typically, GMs do this to save a little cap space as they accrue money daily.

RECENT: Free Agent Forwards Still Available to Improve Devils Depth

However, Dowling and DeSimone have returned, the latter needed as the seventh defenseman now that Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey look more like permanent fixtures in the seasons Comets lineup.

Coming to Newark with Dowling and DeSimone are forwards Shane Bowers and Nolan Foote.

Bowers is perhaps the more logical Lazar replacement on the Devils’ fourth line. Bowers is a plus skater who is effective in the defensive zone and on the forecheck. He’s decent in the faceoff circle as well.

Foote, however, is being rewarded for his positive play with the Comets, despite their winless record.

The 23-year-old forward leads the Comets in points (nine), scoring four goals and five assists in 12 games. Foote spent the majority of the 2023-24 season on season opening injured reserve after a reoccurring back injury held him out for the majority of last season.

Now with his footing under him in Utica and—so far—a clean bill of health, Foote has a fighting chance to prove his former first round pick status is worthy as an NHL player.

The Devils are off to a solid start to the 2024-25 season, however, their recent need for depth has been a black cloud over their heads. Perhaps some new forward recalls can be necessary answers, otherwise they’ll need to look elsewhere.

RELATED: Forward on Waivers Can Address Devils Depth Need

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

Follow us on 𝕏:

@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10

And on Threads:

@JamesNicholsNHL