And just like that, the New Jersey Devils will be cap compliant for Johnathan Kovacevic to come off long-term injured reserve.
Forward Stefan Noesen did not step on the ice for practice on Saturday morning before the team head’s north to face the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday afternoon.
The team followed his absence with an announcement that Noesen ill undergo knee surgery next week to address a lingering injury. The Devils also stated he will be placed on injured reserve and will be out an extended period of time.
The knee injury is unrelated to the one Noesen missed time for earlier this season, when he had groin surgery from a pre-existing injury from the 2024-25 season. The Devils forward could have avoided missing the start of the season with offseason surgery, but opted for a rehab attempt before ultimately deciding to have the procedure.
Noesen’s knee injury could explain his underwhelming output in 2025-26. He’s mostly been utilized as a fourth-line forward at even strength alongside Luke Glendening and Paul Cotter, with some limited time in the top-six and on the power play.
In 38 games this season, Noesen’s netted three goals and seven points.
Last year, Noesen broke out for his best season on the scoresheet across his 12-year career, netting career highs in goals (22) and points (41) in a second-line role alongside Nico Hischier and Timo Meier.
Noesen is in the second year of a three-year contract that carries a $2.75 million average annual value. He has a 10-team no-trade list that downgrades to a seven-team no-trade in the final year of his contract.
The Devils will have to do a little bit of salary cap gymnastics to move Kovacevic off injured reserve. Evgenii Dadonov appears to also be nearing a return with a $1 million cap hit.
