The 4 Nations Face-Off break has concluded for the New Jersey Devils, who returned to practice on Tuesday afternoon.
Per reporters on-site at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, Jesper Bratt and Erik Haula did not participate as both played in the 4-Nation tournament Monday in Boston.
The following players participated in Tuesday’s practice: Jake Allen, Tyler Brennan, Brenden Dillon, Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, Johnathan Kovacevic, Simon Nemec, Brett Pesce, Nathan Bastian, Paul Cotter, Justin Dowling, Nico Hischier, Curtis Lazar, Kurtis MacDermid, Timo Meier, Dawson Mercer, Ondrej Palat, and Tomas Tatar.
Hischier was a welcome sight as he has not played since Jan. 25 due to an injury. He was a full participant and, after practice, told the attending media that he felt pretty good out on the ice.
The 26-year-old remains on injured reserve with hopes of returning to the lineup Saturday night against the Dallas Stars.
“I wouldn’t say he’s cleared at this point,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “This was his first day back. Doctors will play a role in it, he’ll get assessed. He knows how his body feels. He didn’t seem in any discomfort today. I suspect he’ll be ready to go.”
ROSTER MOVES
Ahead of the team hitting the ice, the organization made a flurry of roster moves.
– Defenseman Simon Nemec was recalled from the Utica Comets. The 21-year-old played two games in New Jersey prior to the 4-Nations tournament against the Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens. During the break, Nemec appeared in two games with the Utica Comets (AHL), picking up one assist.
– Rookie defenseman Seamus Casey also joined the team for practice. It marks his return to the NHL since being assigned to the AHL on Oct. 21. The youngster has appeared in eight games with the Devils this season, scoring three goals and four points with a plus-2.
– Goaltender Tyler Brennan was recalled and joined the Devils at practice. Keefe shared that the 21-year-old’s situation is day-to-day as Nico Daws recovers from an illness.
– Forward Chase Stillman was also recalled from the Utica Comets. When asked about his call-up, Keefe said, “Quite honestly, I think it is managing the roster and giving a young guy an opportunity to come up here and get some important practice reps. […] It is managing the roster and managing the salary cap. It is a chance to check some boxes here while we have the time to give a guy an opportunity and to fill a need for practice.”
Casey and Stillman were not at practice due to travel and weather conditions. The two are expected to be with the team on Wednesday.
INJURY UPDATES
– Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler underwent a procedure during the break and will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks. There is currently no timetable for his return. The 27-year-old was placed on injured reserve.
– Goaltender Jacob Markstrom, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since Jan. 22, was placed on injured reserve.
The Devils will practice on Wednesday. Make sure you bookmark THN’s New Jersey Devils site for THN’s latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
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