Devils C Nico Hischier returns to practice

New Jersey center Nico Hischier was back at practice Monday for the first time since he suffered an upper-body injury more than three weeks ago, but the Devils gave no timetable for his return to game action.

Hischier, 24, had been skating on his own for the past week. He suffered the injury during a victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 27 when he took a high hit from defenseman Connor Clifton in the first period. The Devils' captain played in the second period but not in the third.

"It was good to see him out there," New Jersey coach Lindy Ruff said Monday. "It gave the guys a little bit of renewed energy just seeing Nico. We hope to see him again at practice tomorrow, but I don't really have a timeline ... we'll see how practice goes."

Hischier has two goals in seven games this season and has missed the past nine games. The Devils are 8-7-1 this season but 4-5-0 without Hischier.

He registered 80 points (31 goals, 49 assists) in 81 games last season.