The Devils have gotten off to a strong start this season, but the injuries are starting to pile up, including to some key players.
Nico Hischier suffered an upper-body injury during Friday’s 5-4 OT win against the Islanders. The injury forced Hischier to miss the entire third period, but he had three shots on goal before his exit.
The 24-year-old did not skate during the Devils’ practice Saturday morning but coach Lindy Ruff gave a small update on Hischier’s progress.
“Being evaluated right now. We’ll see where he’s at come Monday,” Ruff said.
In four games to start the season, the 24-year-old has yet to score a point. Last season, the center had 80 points (31 goals, 49 assists) in 81 games.
Hischier isn’t the only one hurting as Tomas Nosek and Colin Miller were also unavailable for Saturday’s skate but no update was given on their progress. Nosek last played Oct. 13 against the Coyotes, and Miller has not yet made his 2023-24 debut.
Ruff did have some promising news about Erik Haula, who missed Friday’s game with an upper-body injury.
“Haula skated this morning by himself, so progressing,” Ruff explained. “I’m hopeful to have him practice on Monday.”
Haula has two goals and three points in three games this season.
With their latest slate of injuries, Ruff was asked about potentially calling up a player from Utica to bolster the roster, but the long-time Devils coach did not want to make any sudden moves until they know how his players are doing.
The Devils’ AHL affiliate is also dealing with their own injuries.
“We’ll see how this unfolds with Nico and where Haula is at,” Ruff explained. “(Utica has) some injuries right now that they’re sorting out. So we’ll sort things out come Monday.“
The Devils’ next game is at Montreal where they take on the Canadiens on Tuesday.