The New Jersey Devils canceled their practice on Tuesday, and instead used it as a travel day. For the next five games, the Devils will be playing as the visiting team, starting on Wednesday when they play the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Two key injured Devils who were seen as hopeful to return sooner than later are not traveling with New Jersey. At least, not yet.
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Connor Brown and Dougie Hamilton did not leave New Jersey for Chicago on Tuesday. However, that doesn’t mean they will miss the entire road trip.
The Devils will return home to practice on their turf on Monday, following the conclusion of their tilt with the Washington Capitals on Saturday night. In other words, Brown and Hamilton are only ruled out for the first two-game leg. They will be re-evaluated and perhaps be made available later.
With two days between game days, the Devils will head south to Florida for the last leg of their road trip when they play the Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Philadelphia Flyers.
Brown, out since November 1st, is dealing with an upper-body issue. It appeared as though he was nearing a return earlier this week. However, it appears he suffered a bit of a setback and has not yet since been ready.
Hamilton, out since November 6th, is dealing with a lower-body injury. New Jersey seemingly avoided the worst with their star defenseman, who is considered day-to-day.
Brown and Hamilton are two key Devils skaters who contribute in significant roles at five-on-five and their special teams units.
Through 11 games this season, Brown’s contributed five goals and six points, while Hamilton has provided four goals and seven points in 14 games.
The Devils are nearly at full capacity at forward. Cody Glass returned just a few games ago, and Zack MacEwen made his Prudential Center debut on Monday.
New Jersey just awaits Evgenii Dadonov to fully recover, as he’s been out since October 11th.
