Bad News for Devils Nico Hischier? Top AHL Scorer Recalled

The New Jersey Devils captains status was undetermined following an injury he suffered against the Montreal Canadiens over the weekend.

Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki cross-checked Devils Nico Hischier in the mid-section, which had the captain hunched over in pain on the bench during Saturday’s second period.

Hischier attempted to finish the game, taking another shift—although a short one—in the second period. He then tried again in the third period, but left the game rather quickly and didn’t return.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe labeled the Devils captain as “day-to-day” following the 4-3 overtime win.

New Jersey received the day off on Sunday, therefore, an update on Hischier’s status had to wait until Monday.

It was revealed that the Devils recalled their top AHL scorer, Brian Halonen, ahead of New Jersey’s tilt with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Certainly, Halonen’s recall sounds like bad news for Hischier. The Devils are already dealing with a significant injury to Jacob Markstrom who is out until at least after the 4 Nations Face-Off with an MCL sprain.

Now, Hischier’s absent is another significant one, especially when you consider the Devils’ lack of center depth.

The likely result will be Dawson Mercer sliding to the center position on the second line, while Halonen takes one of the bottom-six spots on the wing.

Monday’s morning skate will reveal more. Perhaps Erik Haula is ready to return from nursing an ankle injury and can slide into the lineup against the Flyers.

Hischier is New Jersey’s leading goalscorer, potting 24 pucks in 51 games this season.

In 34 games with the Utica Comets, Halonen leads the Devils’ AHL affiliate with 15 goals in 34 games.

We should know more in relatively short order.