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Keefe Provides Updated Return Timeline for Injured Devils Forward

According to Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, Erik Haula could return on Tuesday vs. the Penguins, or Thursday against the Golden Knights.

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New Jersey Devils' left wing Erik Haula (56) celebrates after a goal with teammates against the Ottawa Senators during second-period NHL hockey game action in Ottawa, Ontario, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

The New Jersey Devils, who are starving for depth, very well could be getting one of their injured forwards back on Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.



Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe explained that if all goes well throughout the rest of the day for Erik Haula, he’ll play in Steel City. Haula has been sidelined with an ankle injury since Jan. 4th.

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However, if for any reason he can’t go, Thursday at home against the Vegas Golden Knights is likely.

“Yeah, it looks good, but it’ll be a game time type of thing here,” Keefe explained to the media. “We’ll just make sure there are no issues throughout the day. But yeah, if he doesn’t play tonight, he’ll play Thursday. I think it’s kind of one of those types of things, but we’ll see what the rest of the day looks like he was feeling good coming out of yesterday’s practice so that was positive.”

The Devils held an optional morning skate Tuesday morning. Haula was not a participant. However, he was a full participant during Monday’s practice.

The 33-year-old center slotted between Timo Meier and Dawson Mercer on the Devils’ second line.

“With Nico [Hischier] missing, Haula’s a good face-off guy and on the penalty kill,” Meier explained. “We’ve definitely missed him, so it’ll be nice to get him back.”

Haula has also took regular reps with the penalty killers in their last few special teams drills.

If all goes well, it looks like not only will Haula play for the Devils before the break, but he should also be good to go for Team Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

In 42 games this season, Haula’s scored five goals and 11 points in an average of 14:27 of time on ice.

The better news for the Devils is Haula is winning 55.4% of his face-offs, an area they’re desperately lacking without Nico Hischier.

The Devils and Penguins drop the puck at 7 P.M. EST on Tuesday.

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