BREAKING: Devils Jacob Markstrom Returns to Practice

NEWARK—On Wednesday morning, when the New Jersey Devils took the ice for their second practice upon returning from the 4 Nations Face-Off break, Jacob Markstrom returned to practice.

It’s good news for the Devils, who just placed their No.1 goaltender on injured reserve Tuesday morning, alongside Jonas Siegenthaler.

Markstrom was injured on January 22nd against the Boston Bruins when Justin Brazeau crashed the net and ran into the Devils goaltender.

After imaging on Markstrom revealed an MCL sprain, the Devils’ goaltender was determined out for 4–6 weeks. When the Devils return to game action on Saturday, it will be exactly one month since Markstrom was injured, and he will have already met the minimum recovery timeline.

Markstrom was not a full participant in drills. He took the first few reps and then returned to the Devils’ locker room, which was a pre-meditated plan the team clarified.

Markstrom is amid a strong season in which he’s posted Vezina-calibre statistics, posting a 21-9-5 record, 2.20 GAA, and .912 SV%.

Jake Allen has since assumed starting duties in Markstrom’s absence. Nico Daws has typically been Allen’s backup, however, is dealing with an illness and remains in the American Hockey League for now.

Tyler Brennan is on recall and is practicing with the team.

Markstrom may have been sidelined for nearly a month, however, was placed on injured reserve as of Tuesday. Regardless, New Jersey Hockey Now has learned that Markstrom’s IR placement is retroactive to Jan. 22nd, meaning he’s eligible to return when he and the team feel he’s ready.

On Tuesday, we learned captain Nico Hischier‘s return is imminent. Although Markstrom’s may not be as soon, it appears the Devils are getting their No.1 goaltender back in the near future.

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