The New Jersey Devils recalled forwards Mike Hardman and Nathan Légaré from the American Hockey League on Monday morning.
The New Jersey Devils recalled forwards Mike Hardman and Nathan Légaré from the American Hockey League on Monday morning.
There will be two new faces in the New Jersey Devils lineup Monday night against the New York Rangers.
Mike Hardman, 25, and Nathan Légaré, 23, will make up the Devils fourth line along with Justin Dowling.
"I just think there is some pace and physicality to their game," Keefe told reporters. "Some heaviness. Both are stronger guys and (have) a good enough skill set to hang on to pucks and spend some time in the offensive zone, so it is good to have them in."
It will be a special night for Légaré, making his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden.
"It's a dream come true," he said to NJD.TV.
This season, the 6-foot, 208-pound forward has three goals in 18 games with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League. He has also been involved in three fights, the latest occurring on Nov. 29, when he came to the defense of his teammate.
"I'm a power forward," Légaré continued. "I always work 100 percent, (and) I am really good on the forecheck. I think that is the thing I want to establish tonight. Just play the same way that I was playing in Utica."
Hardman has 37 NHL games of experience, all with the Chicago Blackhawks. His last NHL game was on Mar. 28, 2023.
"Last year, I was in the minors the whole year," Hardman said to NJD.TV. "I just think this call-up is a little extra special. Just working hard and not really knowing when I was going to get the next opportunity. When I got that call yesterday it was really exciting to call my parents and just really excited for this opportunity."
Hardman has eight points (five goals, three assists) in 10 games. He was named AHL player of the week ending Nov. 24.
"I have liked what I have seen from those guys," Keefe continued about Hardman and Légaré. "Those that have been watching … they believe that they are both playing really well. Utica has really found their footing and is rolling as a team, and these guys have been a big part of that. Having three forwards out creates opportunities. We have given (Nolan) Foote and (Shane) Bowers a chance; now it is an opportunity to give a couple of other guys a look."
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