Devils Wrap: Trimming The Roster, Bratt's Play, Edwards and More

NEWARK, N.J. -- The Devils have earned a 6-0-0 preseason record, scoring 27 goals, which is tied with the Calgary Flames for the most this preseason. The organization continues to make roster cuts as they prepare to play their final game before the regular season. Below is a recap of some of the biggest headlines from the past few days.

- Devils' prospect Ethan Edwards was named an alternate captain for the University of Michigan's Wolverines. The junior defenseman will wear the "A" along with Philippe Lapointe, Dylan Duke, and Marshall Warren. As Rekha Leonard of Michigan Daily Sports reported, Edwards will miss the first half of the season as he is recovering from an offseason surgery.

- Jesper Bratt looks to be in midseason form. The 25-year-old has nine points (five goals, four assists) in four games. He earned a hat trick versus the New York Islanders and looks to have improved his game speed.

"He looks even quicker than he did last year," said head coach Lindy Ruff. "Around the puck, he's been strong on it, and his deception in small ice has been real good, and he is shooting the puck really well."

- Associate coach Travis Green has plenty of options regarding the team's two power-play units and has been mixing and matching players this preseason. Per MSGN statistician Nick Cahill, "The Devils' power play is clicking at 44 percent this preseason. The NHL record was set by Edmonton last year at 32.4 percent."

- Lenni Hameenaho is off to an impressive start for Porin Assat of the Finnish Liiga. In nine games, he has nine points (eight goals, one assist). New Jersey selected the 18-year-old 58th overall at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Since the last edition of Devils Wrap, the organization has made further cuts to trim its roster. Here is a rundown of which players were assigned to their American Hockey League and returned to their junior teams:

Sept. 29, 2023

Assigned to Utica (AHL): Filip Engaras, T.J. Friedmann, Joe Gambardella, Timur Ibragimov, Xavier Parent, Ryan Schmelzer, Colin Felix, Will MacKinnon, Robbie Russo, Topias Vilen, Tyler Brennan.

Placed on Waivers: Tyler Wotherspoon (cleared)

Assigned to Swift Current (WHL): Josh Filmon

Oct. 2, 2023

Assigned to Utica (AHL): Michael Vukojevic

Placed on Waivers: Kyle Criscuolo (cleared)

Oct. 3, 2023

Assigned to Utica (AHL): Graeme Clarke, Kyle Criscuolo, Chase Stillman, Daniil Misyul.

Placed on Waivers: Erik Kallgren (cleared)

Oct. 5, 2023

Assigned to Utica (AHL): Cal Foote, Jeremy Brodeur.

Notable players who remain in New Jersey are Alexander Holtz, Nolan Foote, Tyce Thomspon, and Simon Nemec.

In an interview with Phil Stacey of the Salem News, former Devils' goaltender Cory Schneider announced his retirement from professional hockey.

"I'm at peace with it," he said. "I'll miss my teammates and the intensity of playing, but it's the right time for me."

New Jersey acquired him in a trade on June 30, 2013. He appeared in 311 games for the Devils, posting a 115-133-50 record, earning a save percentage of .915 and a goals-against average of 2.50.

"New Jersey was a great place for my family and I," he said. "My kids were both born there. I had some great teammates, and it was a terrific place to play. Jack Hughes stayed with my family during the 2019-20 season after he was drafted No. 1 overall, and I remember realizing he was actually closer in age to my son at the time than he was to me, his teammate."

On Oct. 8, 2020, the Devils placed the Marblehead, Massachusetts native, on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the final two years of his contract. He would later sign a contract with the New York Islanders and finished his career playing in the American Hockey League for the Bridgeport Islanders.

NEWS

- Devils Wrap: First Round of Roster Cuts, Recchi Returns to the Metro, Meier and More

- Devils Return Josh Filmon To Juniors, Trim Training Camp Roster

- Devils' AHL Affiliate Announces 2023-24 Training Camp Roster

FEATURES

- Devils' Miller Looking to Bring Stability to New Jersey's Blue Line

- Lundqvist on Devils Repeating Last Season's Success: 'Absolutely They Can'

OPINIONS

- Devils Training Camp: 10 Storylines to Watch, Including Holtz and Schmid

- THN Poll: Hischier for Selke, Hughes Underpaid, Ruff for Jack Adams & the Presidents' Trophy

- Former Devils defenseman Ty Smith was placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sept. 28. To the surprise of some, the 23-year-old cleared and was assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL). A few days later, on Oct. 3, he was recalled to Pittsburgh, and two days later, he was re-assigned to the AHL.

- On Oct. 5, the Penguins placed ex-Devil Andreas Johnsson on waivers. The 28-year-old signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh on July 7.

- New York Islanders forward Kyle Palmieri, who suffered an undisclosed injury this past summer, has joined his teammates at training camp. He is not expected to play in a preseason game but is expected to be ready for the team's season opener.