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Devils Stock Up/Stock Down: Injury Bug Hits; Back in the Win Column

In this edition of New Jersey Devils stock up/stock down, the team finds itself back in the win column, but at the cost of two key injuries.

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New Jersey Devils
Boston Bruins right wing Justin Brazeau (55) collides with New Jersey Devils goaltender Jacob Markstrom during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, in Newark, N.J. Markstrom left the game with an injury. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Results have been on the up and up since our last New Jersey Devils stock up/stock down. After battling an illness, the Devils looked to turn the losing tides against the Boston Bruins on Jacques Lemaire’s Ring of Honor night, the Montreal Canadiens, and the Philadelphia Flyers on a home-and-home.



The Devils went on to win three out of four, but not at the cost of a few pounds of flesh. As the points rolled in so did the injuries, and the Devils will try and stay afloat for the final full week of hockey until the Four Nations break.

Devils Stock Up/Stock Down

Stock Up

Timo Meier

Timo Meier’s play has left a little to be desired over the first half of the season. However, similar to his 2023-24 season, Meier’s second-half breakout feels as if it’s here. He is currently riding a four-game point streak, including two two-point performances against Boston and Philadelphia. The numbers this season have pointed towards more puck “unluck” than poor play, and just like last season, he’s poised for a massive backend of the current campaign.

Stock Down

Injury Bug

The Devils had gone 50 games relatively unscathed on the injury front. Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce’s injuries to start the season were the most notable, but the injury bug has made its way to Jersey. Erik Haula has yet to return from an ankle injury he suffered back on January 4th against San Jose. Last week, however, was close to rock bottom. Jacob Markstrom was involved in a nasty collision with Bruins forward Justin Brazeau, resulting in an MCL sprain that’ll force him to miss four to six weeks. Just a few nights later, captain Nico Hischier was crosschecked in the ribs by Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki. While the specifics of the injury were not announced, head coach Sheldon Keefe told the media that he would be week-to-week. While no one wants your number one goalie and captain to go down, having it happen right before a two-week pause in the season was as good a time as any.

Stock Up

Salary Cap

Recent reports from the NHL and NHLPA have come out announcing the salary cap for the next three seasons, and for the Devils, it’s great news. The salary cap limit will be $95.5 million, $104 million, and $113.5 million over the next three seasons, and with key free agents coming up, this news comes at a great time. Not only does this affect the Devils ability to retain their own talent, but the new-found money will give General Manager Tom Fitzgerald considerably more cash to splash to improve his team.

Stock Down

Brett Pesce

Brett Pesce was a breath of fresh air once he joined the Devils lineup. History and a larger sample size show that he’ll likely be a net positive for the Devils (especially in the playoffs), but his recent stretch of games hasn’t been his best. He and Luke have struggled in recent games and was likely the main reason for Keefe to break up his defensive pairs for the first time all season. His on-ice goals percentage of 40.9% is the lowest on the team amongst skaters who have played over 400 minutes this season. As the playoffs get closer, the Devils will need the Brett Pesce they had over the first three months of the season and not the one they’ve had the past month.

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