Bastian was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a lower-body injury against the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

NEWARK, N.J. -- On Friday evening, the New Jersey Devils announced Nathan Bastian was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. Brian Halonen was recalled from the Utica Comets (American Hockey League) in a corresponding move.

Bastian played 1:41 against the Rangers on Thursday night. He suffered an illegal check to the head from Rangers' Matt Rempe and was on the receiving end of a massive open-ice hit from Jacob Trouba. During his post-game media availability, head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed Rempe's hit did not cause the winger's injury.

Bastian did not play in the third period.

Halonen was activated off the injured, non-roster list and assigned to Utica on Dec. 30. The 24-year-old was sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained in training camp.

Since his return, Halonen, who is listed as 6-foot, 205 pounds, has appeared in 21 games and has 17 points (13 goals, four assists). He recently played on the Comets' top line alongside Max Willman and Justin Dowling. 

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