Devils Place Jonathan Kovacevic On IR, Recall Anton Silayev

The New Jersey Devils will have change coming to their blue-line. Johnathan Kovacevic has been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The injury occurred in Tuesday’s matchup with the Winnipeg Jets, when a hit from Jets defender Tyrel Bauer caused Kovacevic to fall awkwardly on his left leg. In response to Kovacevic’s IR designation, New Jersey has recalled rookie defenseman Anton Silayev.

Another stint on IR will be the worst case scenario for Kovacevic, who didn’t make his season debut until October 13th due to an offseason knee surgery. He has recorded two points, nine penalty minutes, and 13 hits in 13 games since – while averaging a measly 14:40 in ice time.

With Kovacevic on the sidelines once more, New Jersey will open the door for a former top-10 pick to make his NHL debut. Silayev is playing through his first season in North American pros after spending the last three seasons in Russia’s KHL. He has had a quiet start, with four points and a plus-eight through 12 AHL games so far. Silayev wasn’t known for his scoring in Russia – but instead his ability to smoothly drive play in a 6-foot-7 frame. He will be a unique addition to the Devils roster, if he’s able to step into the lineup.

To make Silayev’s recall possible under the cap, New Jersey has also placed defenseman Seamus Casey on long-term injured reserve. Casey underwent knee surgery after being hurt on a knee-on-knee collision in a preseason matchup against the New York Rangers. He has already missed the month required by LTIR – though still could be a few weeks away from activation. That should open room for Silayev to stay on the NHL roster through the duration of Kovacevic’s injury.

Silayev’s NHL debut won’t be guaranteed, as New Jersey is also carrying Vladislav Kolyachonok, who is lined up on his off-side next to Brenden Dillon. Silayev is also a left-shot and would likely need to play on his off-side to replace Kovacevic. That could push New Jersey to shift around their lines a bit more, if they want to work the top prospect into the lineup.