In a highly anticipated match-up against the Detroit Red Wings, the New Jersey Devils are set to welcome back top defencemen Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce to the lineup. Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that both players will make their season debuts on Thursday night, much to the delight of Devils fans.
Hughes, who missed all of training camp and the start of the season due to a shoulder injury sustained during off-season training, is eager to hit the ice once again. The 21-year-old defenceman had a stellar season last year, appearing in all 82 games and tallying nine goals and 47 points.
On the other hand, Pesce, 29, has been sidelined with a fractured fibula since last year’s playoffs when he was with the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite the setback, Pesce signed a lucrative six-year, $33 million deal with the Devils in the off-season, showing his commitment to the team.
Meanwhile, over in Toronto, goaltender Joseph Woll is poised to make his season debut for the Maple Leafs as they face off against the St. Louis Blues. The Maple Leafs activated Woll off injured reserve in the morning, paving the way for his return to the lineup. With Dennis Hildeby being assigned to the AHL, Woll will join Anthony Stolarz as the two goaltenders on the NHL roster.
In more injury news, forward Max Pacioretty was absent from morning skate after sustaining a lower-body injury in the previous game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It remains to be seen how long Pacioretty will be sidelined, as the team monitors his progress.
Additionally, centre Fraser Minten, who started the season on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, made a promising return to the ice by participating in practice in a grey extras jersey. Minten’s presence could provide a much-needed boost to the team once he is fully recovered.
Lastly, the New York Islanders revealed that forward Anthony Duclair will be out for four-to-six weeks due to a leg injury. Duclair’s absence will be felt by the team, as they look to regroup and overcome this setback in the upcoming games.