It was Smith's first practice since suffering a sprained knee on Jan. 15.

NEWARK, N.J. -- The reinforcements keep coming for the New Jersey Devils as veteran defenseman Brendan Smith practiced with his teammates for the first time since suffering a sprained knee on Jan. 15.

Throughout the 30-minute practice, Smith was seen with a smile on his face as he took shots and participated in drills.

"It was his first practice day. He got through it good," head coach Lindy Ruff said. "We're day-to-day with him now."

Ruff confirmed that Smith would not play against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.

Smith has played a versatile role this season. He has been part of the team's first and third defensive pair and spent time playing as a forward on the team's fourth line. He is the club's top penalty killer, averaging 2:40 of shorthanded ice time, second-most behind John Marino.

The Devils injury list continues to shrink as only Dougie Hamilton, Nolan Foote, and Jonas Siegenthaler remain out in addition to Smith.

New Jersey used the following lines and pairs Friday afternoon:

Ondrej Palat - Nico Hischier - Max Willman

Timo Meier - Erik Haula - Dawson Mercer

Tyler Toffoli - Jack Hughes - Alexander Holtz

Curtis Lazar - Tomas Nosek - Nathan Bastian

Kevin Bahl - Simon Nemec

Santeri Hatakka - Colin Miller

Luke Hughes - John Marino

Brendan Smith - Nick DeSimone

** Max Willman filled in for Jesper Bratt, who took a maintenance day.

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