Timo Meier is set to return to the ice for the New Jersey Devils when they face the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday, but Brendan Smith and Jack Hughes are still not available, coach Lindy Ruff after the morning skate.
Meier has been on injured reserve with a mid-body issue since Dec. 30. The right winger has nine goals and 15 points in 28 games this season.
“Really excited to join again, get to work,” Meier told reporters after Wednesday’s morning skate.
Hughes remains week-to-week, Ruff told Peter Baugh of The Athletic, with an upper-body injury.
The 22-year-old star hasn’t played since Jan. 5, when he awkwardly fell on a rush late in the third period versus the Chicago Blackhawks. Hughes leads the Devils with 45 points and was named to the 2024 All-Star Game roster last week.
Smith, who has one goal, five points, 48 hits and 42 blocks this season, suffered a sprained knee against the Bruins on Monday, Ruff said. The veteran defender is expected to miss a bit of time.
“One piece went out, one piece comes back, I don’t like the swap but at least we get a piece back,” Ruff said in the pre-game interview.
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