Devils Forward Injured, ‘Could Miss Some Time’

When the New Jersey Devils took the ice for practice on Sunday afternoon, forward Erik Haula was missing. Head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed after practice that the 33-year-old forward is injured.

“He has an ankle injury,” Keefe explained. “He is going to miss some time. He’s getting an MRI right now. Once we get the (results) of that, then we will better know the timetable.”

For now, and until further notice, forward Justin Dowling took Haula’s reps at third line center between Paul Cotter and Dawson Mercer.

In 42 games thus far, Haula’s netted five goals and 11 points.

It’s been a statistically disappointing season in the second year of his three-year contract. Not only has Haula gone goalless since Nov. 27th, a span of 17 games, but he hasn’t even registered a single point.

On the other hand, Dowling has been a sufficient role player for the Devils, most recently serving as Curtis Lazar’s replacement on the fourth line. However, Lazar has since returned, thus Dowling’s availability to fill in for Haula.

Dowling’s registered two goals and three points in 25 games.

Perhaps the Devils could turn to the waiver wire should Haula miss a significant amount of time.

The Devils’ depth scoring issues certainly don’t get any easier, regardless of removing a forward in a slump from the lineup. Dowling is a fine replacement, but he doesn’t necessarily fill up the scoresheet.

The Devils play the Seattle Kraken on Monday at 10 P.M. EST. We should know more on Haula’s status before puck drop.