Key Devils Absent From Practice, Sheldon Keefe Provides Injury Updates

After the New Jersey Devils had extended days off, they returned to the ice for practice on Tuesday morning. However, when the team hit the ice, they were missing two key bodies.

Devils forward Timo Meier and defenseman Brett Pesce were not at practice, the first time the Devils returned to the ice since Saturday.

The Devils explained Meier is dealing with back spasms and is day-to-day. Pesce’s absence was described as maintenance, and he is also listed as day-to-day.

Neither of the key Devils forwards are expected to miss any time.

Meier is off to a strong start this season with seven goals and 14 points in 21 games alongside Nico Hischier. Pesce got a late start to the season, however, returned the same as Luke Hughes and the duo has remained a pair. In fact, Pesce’s presence has been a direct positive result on the 21-year-old defenseman who has seen his defensive game grow. Through 12 games, Pesce has no points, but has been a stabilizing defensive presence on the Devils’ blue line.

Neither player is expected to miss game action, although the Devils are taking advantage to their four-day break from playing games. Meier and Pesce will be re-evaluated.

“The break has been very important,” Sheldon Keefe explained. “We’ll take advantage of this time and see where they’re at tomorrow.”

New Jersey will host the Carolina Hurricanes next on Thursday at the Prudential Center.

Despite some absences, one player did return to the ice. Nathan Bastian skated for the first time since suffering a jaw injury on November first while visiting the Calgary Flames.

The Devils forward worked with a full face-shield on to protect his injured jaw.

Devils head coach Keefe explained that Bastian’s presence was a step in the right direction, but he is not close to being available to play in a game quite yet.

New Jersey made several recalls on Monday by way of reinforcements.

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

All were in attendance in Newark for Tuesday morning.

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