Newark — The New Jersey Devils received a bit of bad news about their No.1 defenseman, Dougie Hamilton. On Friday, the team announced the Devils defenseman will be out indefinitely following on a torn left pectoral muscle. Further injury updates were provided by head coach Lindy Ruff. That includes the bit of good news that Devils star forward, Timo Meier, will return to the lineup on Friday night against the San Jose Sharks.
Prior to puck drop on Friday, Ruff appeared pleased with Meier’s return indicating he’s been strong on his skates during on-ice activities.
“Timo is playing,” Ruff confirmed. “He had a heck of a skate this morning.”
Ruff continued: “He said he felt great. He skated yesterday (in New Jersey). (Meier) was involved in some physicality and then was again today. The decision with the injury is he said he’s ready. We’re gonna play him.”
Meier missed seven games since being injured back on Nov. 14th against the Winnipeg Jets.
It’s certainly a silver lining for the Devils in the wake of all the injuries that continue to pile up. Fortunately, New Jersey has received all of their best forwards back, including Meier when he takes the ice tonight.
Meier will face his former club for the first time since he was traded to the Devils back on Feb. 26th ahead of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline.
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