NHL Player News

Hughes (shoulder) will join the Devils as they head to Detroit for Thursday's matchup, Devils play-by-play announcer Matt Loughlin reports.

While head coach Sheldon Keefe wouldn't confirm that Hughes will be in the lineup versus the Wings, the fact that both Hughes and Brett Pesce (lower leg) led the post-practice stretch Wednesday would see to indicate that the duo will be back in action Thursday. In order for Hughes to play, he will need to be activated off injured reserve, a move that likely will see Daniil Misyul relegated to the press box as a healthy scratch.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe said Wednesday that Pesce (lower leg) will travel with the Devils ahead of Thursday's road matchup in Detroit, Devils play-by-play announcer Matt Loughlin reports.

While it's not yet clear whether Pesce will suit up against the Red Wings, it's encouraging that he'll accompany the team on the road trip. Keefe said it's at least fair to say that Pesce will play over the weekend, so even if the defenseman remains out Thursday, he could return to action Friday against the Islanders or Sunday against the Ducks. Pesce and Luke Hughes (shoulder) also led the Devils during Wednesday's post-practice stretch, which should give increased optimism that Pesce could be available Thursday.

Koch was demoted to AHL Tucson on Wednesday.

Koch will switch places with Maveric Lamoureux, who was recalled in a corresponding move Wednesday. In his lone NHL appearance last year, the 27-year-old Koch registered four hits, 10 PIM and one shot in 9:20 of ice time. With both John Marino (back) and Sean Durzi (shoulder) facing months on the shelf, this likely won't be Koch's last stint in the NHL this year.

Fleury was reassigned to AHL Coachella Valley on Wednesday.

Fleury has three goals in three outings with Coachella Valley in 2024-25. He didn't end up playing for Seattle during his latest stint in the NHL.

Evans scored a power-play marker in Tuesday's 3-2 loss versus the Avalanche.

Evans' goal at 19:55 of the third period cut Seattle's deficit to one, but it was too little too late. In addition to scoring, Evans collected four shots, three blocks and two hits in 22:53 of ice time. With Vince Dunn (upper body) on long-term injured reserve, Evans is stepping up his game in all facets, and he's seen increased ice time in each of his last four appearances. The left-shot blueliner has logged two goals, three assists and a plus-5 rating over seven games.

Gostisbehere scored a power-play goal and added an even-strength assist in Tuesday's 3-2 overtime win over the Oilers.

Gostisbehere has been on a roll to start the season and has found the back of the net in four straight games, including three power-play tallies in a row, though this was his first multi-point effort. Gostisbehere's scoring streak should end sooner rather than later, but there's no doubt he's been one of the most productive blue-liners in the first two weeks of the 2024-25 regular season.

Durzi will be out 4-6 months after surgery to repair his injured right shoulder, Utah announced Wednesday.

Durzi's timeline matches what was previously reported when he was put on injured reserve, but this update provides more clarity on the exact nature of his injury. While it would be on the early end of his recovery timeline, four months could see the blueliner returning following the NHL break for the Four Nations Face-Off in February. Given how long Durzi will be out, he could be a candidate for long-term injured reserve if Utah needs the cap space.

Marino has undergone successful lower-back surgery and is projected to miss the next 3-4 months, Utah announced Wednesday.

Marino hasn't played in 2024-25 because of the injury. He had four goals and 25 points across 75 appearances with New Jersey in 2023-24. Marino is expected to serve in a top-four capacity once he's healthy, though it's possible he'll be eased into the lineup after missing so much time.

Barron (upper body) won't participate in Wednesday's practice and is considered day-to-day.

Barron left Tuesday's 7-2 loss to the Rangers due to the injury. He has a goal, 13 hits and eight blocks in seven appearances in 2024-25. If he can't play Saturday versus St. Louis, then Arber Xhekaj might draw back into the lineup after spending Montreal's past two games in the press box.

Makar recorded two assists in Tuesday's 3-2 win over Seattle.

Makar registered an even-strength helper on Joel Kiviranta's second-period tally before assisting on Nathan MacKinnon's power-play goal in the same frame. In addition, Makar compiled three shots, three blocks and a plus-1 rating in a team-high 23:24 of ice time. The star blueliner extended his season-opening point streak to seven after Tuesday's two-point performance. Makar leads the league with 14 points (two goals) through seven games.