Bastian returns to the lineup after being a healthy scratch versus the Seattle Kraken.

There will be a change in the New Jersey Devils forward lines ahead of their game versus the Calgary Flames.

Per Devils reporter Catherine Bogart, Nathan Bastian took line rushes during warmups ahead of puck drop alongside Michael McLeod and Alexander Holtz.

In their last game versus the Seattle Kraken, Bastian was a healthy scratch, with the coaching staff opting to play Brendan Smith, a natural defenseman, on McLeod's wing. Earlier, Bogart asked head coach Lindy Ruff what he thought of Smith's last game.

"I thought (it was) okay," Ruff said. "Tough penalty to take. (It's) a penalty we can't take in that situation of the game."

Smith tripped Seattle's Devin Shore in the offensive zone in the third period. It resulted in a penalty and allowed the Kraken to gain momentum and put New Jersey under siege for the final 10 minutes of the game. The veteran was also fined $2,864.58, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for the "dangerous trip." 

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m50t4nVf54[/embed]

After serving his penalty, Smith was benched for the remainder of the game. 

In Bastian's last game, he earned an assist, his second of the season, on McLeod's fifth goal. With the Devils' forward group proximity healthy, besides Tomas Nosek, Bastian will find himself with familiar linemates that can hopefully get him back on track after a difficult two months.