New Jersey Devils
Why the Devils Recalled Their AHL-Leading Scorer
The Devils recalled Nolan Foote from the American Hockey League on Friday. Here’s why they summoned their AHL leading scorer.
NEWARK—The New Jersey Devils are seemingly in need of reinforcements, thus the recall of forward Nolan Foote from the American Hockey League.
On Wednesday, Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe explained both Ondrej Palat and Curtis Lazar were dealing with “bumps and bruises.”
Palat skated the following morning, yet did not dress against the Calgary Flames, nor did Lazar, and Keefe iced Daniel Sprong and Kurtis MacDermid.
Following the Devils’ putrid 5-3 defeat at the hands of the Flames, the Devils’ head coach explained both Ondrej Palat and Curtis Lazar went for imaging just so New Jersey could get a closer look at what they’re dealing with injury-wise.
Imaging seems a bit more serious than “bumps and bruises,” but we’ll find out more perhaps as soon as later today.
Given Palat was back on the ice at Thursday’s morning skate and Lazar wasn’t, it’s reasonable to deduce Lazar is a bit more banged up than Palat.
Thus, Foote comes up to the varsity roster, and for one glaring reason.
On Thursday against the Flames, Keefe only iced MacDermid for 3:52 all game, which certainly didn’t help the Devils’ third period collapse. That was nearly six minutes less than his linemates Paul Cotter and Nathan Bastian.
Simply, Foote is a more mobile, and effective forward who could at least keep pace with the other nine skaters on the ice, and will perhaps contribute more positively toward moving the puck up ice and sustaining offensive pressure.
Foote is amid a strong season at the AHL level, leading the Utica Comets in points with 39 (18g, 21a).
It should come as no surprise to see Nolan Foote in the lineup on Saturday against the Ottawa Senators, giving Keefe the option to roll four lines a bit more evenly than on Thursday.
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