Here's a recap of the latest Devils' news and notes.
NEWARK, N.J. -- With the American Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, the Devils' first 19 games of the 2023-24 season are in the books.
Expectations aside, it has been an average start as the team sits at .500 with a record of 9-9-1. Injuries have plagued the Devils as they continue to be without Timo Meier and Tomas Nosek. Below is a recap of some of the biggest headlines from the past few days.
New Jersey Devils Headlines
- According to the NHL Media Site, Tomas Nosek has been placed on injured reserve for a second time this season. On October 23, he was placed on IR with a lower-body injury. This time, it is his upper body as he was on the receiving end of a New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba hit on November 18. The 31-year-old has only appeared in six of the team's 19 games. The organization has not made any official announcement regarding Nosek's status.
- After missing 11 games with an upper-body injury, Nico Hischier returned to action against the Buffalo Sabres. He collected two points (one goal, one assist) in his first game back.
- At the time of publication, Luke Hughes ranks third among rookies (tied with Luke Evangelista of the Nashville Predators) with 12 points. His ten assists are second-most among first-year players behind Logan Cooley and Pavel Mintyukov.
- According to Michael Russo of The Athletic, former Devils head coach John Hynes is back behind the bench. On Nov. 27, the Minnesota Wild fired head coach Dean Evason, and it is expected that Hynes will be introduced as the seventh head coach in Wild history.
Thompson Traded to the Islanders
On Sunday, November 26, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald announced that the club acquired Arnaud Durandeau from the New York Islanders in exchange for Tyce Thompson.
Per the press release, Durandeau, 24, has one goal and three assists in 12 games this season with the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport. Since making his AHL debut during the 2019-20 season, he has appeared in 179 career regular-season games, recording 112 points (49g-63a), all with Bridgeport.
Last year, he scored 24 goals and 31 assists for 55 points in 68 games. Both his goal and point totals ranked third on Bridgeport. The 6'0", 185 lbs. left wing played in four NHL games with New York during the 2022-23 season. Durandeau was the Islanders' sixth-round choice, 165th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft.
Durandeau played for Halifax in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) from 2015-16 to 2018-19. He was teammates with Timo Meier in his first QMJHL season and Nico Hischier in his second year.
Thompson was selected by New Jersey 96th overall in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. He has appeared in 11 NHL games and has one assist.
Samuel Laberge Signs One-Year, Two-Way Deal
Samuel Laberge, who is in his third season with the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League, was signed to a one-year, two-way contract worth $90,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level and $775,000 at the NHL level. The forward was previously signed to an AHL deal with Utica.
The organization announced that the Devils have officially loaned Laberge to Utica following the signing. The 26-year-old has recorded 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 104 regular-season games with Utica since the 2021-22 season.
With the signing, Laberge is now eligible to play in the NHL if the team decides to call him up.
Smith to Host His First-Ever Kancer Jam Event
Brendan Smith will host his first-ever Kancer Jam event on January 7, 2024. Per the press release, the event will be supported by the New Jersey Devils and raise awareness and funds for The Jam Kancer in the Kan Foundation while honoring the lives of Smith's grandparents, Joyce and Lester Smith, who both lost their battle with breast cancer.
"I'm excited to host my first Kancer Jam event in January to raise funds for those affected by breast cancer," Smith said. "As someone who has lost family members to cancer, I know first-hand how impactful and inspiring events like these can be. I hope those who sign up are looking forward to a fun afternoon competing with and against my teammates and I while giving back to a great cause."
To sign up and learn more about the event, visit jamkancerinthekan.com.
In Case You Missed It
- Devils' Erik Haula Unlikely to Play Against Islanders
- GOTTA SEE IT: Devils' Brendan Smith Challenges Sabres' Connor Clifton
- OFFICIAL: Devils' Nico Hischier Returns Against Sabres
- Devils' Michael McLeod Playing with Renewed Confidence Thanks to Playoff Performance
- Devils' Jack Hughes on Team's Recent Play: 'This Isn't Our Final Product'
- Devils' Power Play Keeping Team Competitive Despite Defensive Woes