The New Jersey Devils held practice Sunday morning. After a number of roster trims over the last week, there were fewer faces on the ice than usual. However, Sunday’s practice unexpectedly missed a lock for the Devils’ roster. Additionally, a few bubble roster players who haven’t been cut were absent from practice as well. Let’s take a look at today’s Devils injury report.
Erik Haula
The Devils missed Erik Haula in the last few morning skates. Previously, Haula’s status was that he had just been given an off day. However, his status has been upgraded to day-to-day per Devils head coach Lindy Ruff.
“He’s just day to day with a little bit of a nagging situation,” the Devils coach explained on Sunday.
Ruff wouldn’t indicate what the injury was, nor did he give a timeline. What we do know is that Haula was seen walking normally around the Prudential Center with no noticeable ailments, which is a decent indicator that it’s nothing serious.
Nolan Foote
Nolan Foote came into camp as a favorite amongst the Devils prospects to snag a roster spot. He was struck in the face at a morning skate about a week and a half ago. According to Ruff, the extent of the situation was that New Jersey just needed to “throw some stitches in & clean the blood up.” However, Foote hasn’t been spotted since.
As of Sunday morning, Ruff revealed he’s dealing with an upper-body injury. No timeline on his return has been indicated.
“(Foote’s) out with an injury,” Ruff said. “He hasn’t practiced and hasn’t been part of the games for a period of time. I don’t have an exact date when he’ll be back.”
Keith Kinkaid
New Jersey signed Keith Kinkaid late in the summer to add depth to their goaltending position. He’s in the unique situation where he’s signed to a contract with the Devils, but also the independent AHL Chicago Wolves.
Regardless, Kinkaid was hurt in the third period of the Devils’ first preseason game. He was part of the split-squad that went to Montreal to take on the Canadiens.
According to Ruff, Kinkaid’s still dealing with an upper-body injury stemming from their tilt in Montreal. No timeline for his return was provided.
More must-reads: