Devils News & Rumors: A Tough Schedule, Foote Recalled & More

New Jersey is still eyeing first place in the Metropolitan Division as they are one point back on the Carolina Hurricanes, who suffered a massive blow by losing Andrei Svechnikov for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Right now, it is all about balance as the Devils continue to prioritize rest as the playoffs draw near.

A Tough Schedule

The Devils are playing 16 games in the month of March, which marks the most contests that the team plays in a single month this season. Their opponents include seven teams, who are locked into playoff position and a three-game mini-series versus the Tampa Bay Lightning.

On Feb. 21, head coach Lindy Ruff addressed the media and said, “we have to treat rest as a weapon. …we have to be smart about when we practice. Even more importantly we have to make sure that the minds are ready and if you’re constantly at the rink, that takes a toll too.”

Practices have been scarce for Ruff’s squad since late February. Timo Meier has only participated in two practices since joining the team, while Curtis Lazar experienced his first earlier this week when the team took the ice for 25 minutes at RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House.

Lazar has appeared in 24 postseason games throughout his career and understands how important rest at this point of the year is as the regular season winds down.

“This time of year practice is short and sweet, but it is valuable,” he said. “Some guys like to take that full day (of rest) and other guys want to get out there and do a little bit of something. I’m of the mindset that less is more this time of year, but you kind of go day-by-day and listen to your body. … you use the rest as you can.”

Foote Joins Team in Florida

On March 17, the organization announced they recalled forward Nolan Foote from the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League. The 22-year-old was previously with the Devils during their California road trip, where he suited up for three games versus the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks. He averaged a little under seven minutes of ice time and in his last outing played a mere 3:08 (five shifts).

Through 49 games Foote has 30 points (18 goals, 12 assists) with the Comets. The Denver, Colorado native has three points in his last two games. A few weeks ago, Ben Birnell of the Daily Sentinel talked to Comets General Manager/New Jersey Assistant General Manager Dan MacKinnon, who had this to say about Foote’s development.

“We’ve been happy with Nolan Foote from a maturity standpoint in his game and a commitment to playing a style of game that will keep him in the NHL one day full-time. He’s embraced being a heavier presence on the wing. He’s been in traffic more. He’s been a little more physical, causing turnovers. All that great stuff that can translate to a middle-6 or bottom-6 role on the wing in the NHL rather than trying to define your game as just a straight shooter. … I just think Nolan has adapted to the feedback and advice that coaches have given him and done it on a pretty consistent basis.” (from ‘Utica Comets GM MacKinnon: There’s excitement with prospects’, Daily Sentinel, 02/22/23)

Quick Hits & What You Need To Know

The Devils will be back in action on March 18 as they face the Florida Panthers, who are 6-3-1 in their last 10 and put up nine goals against the Montreal Canadiens on March 16. Be sure to follow me on  Twitter for all the latest surrounding the Devils.