New Jersey's head coach provides updates on Vitek Vanecek, Dougie Hamilton, and Jonas Siegenthaler.
NEWARK, N.J. -- New Jersey Devils head coach Lindy Ruff provided updates on some of his players after the team's morning skate on Thursday.
Defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler, who has been sidelined since Jan. 6 with a broken foot, was on the ice with his teammates for their skate. The 26-year-old was in a regular jersey and was part of the team's fourth defensive pair with Nick DeSimone.
"(It was his) first day back. Game day practice is not a real demading practice, but great to see him back out there," Ruff said.
Goaltender Vitek Vanecek continues to deal with a lower-body injury. Ruff confirmed he will not be available for the Stadium Series scheduled for Saturday at MetLife Stadium.
The Devils recalled Akira Schmid on Feb. 12 from the Utica Comets (American Hockey League). He has served as Nico Daws' backup for the past two games.
To no surprise, defenseman Dougie Hamilton is still far away from a return to the lineup.
"He is quite a ways away," Ruff said.
Hamilton's last game was Nov. 28. In early December, the organization announced he would be out indefinitely after having surgery on a torn left pectoral muscle.
More surprising news is that Ondrej Palat was missing from the team's morning skate because of an illness. Ruff said he will be a game-time decision against the LA Kings.
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