NEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Devils [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/new-jersey-devils-nj-devils-sheldon-keefe-tom-fitzgerald-paul-cotter-stefan-noesen-brenden-dillon-kurtis-macdermid] returned to RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House for a Tuesday morning practice that began at 10:30 A.M., with the players spending the first half focusing on various skills before transitioning to a traditional practice. The Big Show: Nico Hischier Injured forward Nathan Bastian, [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/new-jersey-devils-nj-devils-nathan-bastian-ryan-lomberg-calgary-flames-sheldon-keefe] who yesterday was placed on LTIR retroactive to Nov. 1, was on the ice in a full face shield to participate in the first half of practice. Head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters after practice that Bastian is progressing but is not close to being available. One forward noticeably absent was 28-year-old Timo Meier. The team announced [https://twitter.com/amandacstein/status/1858898965015527642] that the Swiss power forward was not skating due to back spasms. Recent call-up Nolan Foote skated in Meier's place at practice alongside Nico Hischier and Stefan Noesen. In addition to Meier, defenseman Brett Pesce [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-brett-pesce-carolina-hurricanes-free-agency-tom-fitzgerald] (maintenance day) was not on the ice with the team. "Considered day-to-day at this point," Keefe said regarding Meier and Pesce. "We will see what tomorrow brings. An additional day today was going to be helpful for them. They have been playing through some stuff and the break has been really important in lots of ways. Not only to give them rest but in some cases, some guys maybe wouldn't have played in Tampa the other night if we didn't have the break coming. We will take advantage of this time and see where they are at tomorrow." New Jersey's remaining call-ups from the Utica Comets were on the ice, including Shane Bowers, Justin Dowling, and Nick DeSimone. With Pesce missing, DeSimone skated with Luke Hughes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/jack-luke-hughes-named-nhl-25-cover-athletes]. Another defenseman who has been sidelined is Santeri Hatakka, who underwent successful shoulder surgery in early October. The Hockey News asked Keefe about the 23-year-old, and the coach said he had no updates. Make sure you bookmark THN's New Jersey Devils site [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/] for THN's latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. The Mental Side of the Game: Devils Players & Mental Skills Coach Andy Swärd Take You Behind the Scenes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/players/new-jersey-devils-jesper-bratt-alexander-holtz-nico-hischier-andy-sward] EXCLUSIVE: Q&A With MSG Networks Host & Analyst Rachel Herzog [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/latest-news/exclusive-q-a-with-msg-networks-host-analyst-rachel-herzog-new-jersey-devils] Hischier’s Manager Patrick Fischer: 'He’s Driven to Succeed, but Not Easily Satisfied' [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/features/hischiers-manager-patrick-fischer-hes-driven-to-succeed-but-not-easily-satisfied] Seamus Casey Scores First NHL Goal In Devils Global Series Finale [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-jersey-devils/game-day/seamus-casey-scores-first-nhl-goal-in-new-jersey-devils-global-series-finale]
