Sheldon Keefe and Devils Boost Lineup with Key Reinforcements Ahead of Crucial Matchup Against the Red Wings

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Chris Gerics
October 24, 2024 (3:41 PM)

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New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe got a couple of key players back in Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes, ahead of the Devils' game vs. the Red Wings.

The New Jersey Devils have had a solid start to the season, going 5-3-1 and finding standout performances from Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jack Hughes while being backstopped admirably by the two Jake's: Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen.

Unfortunately, they lost a couple of players to injury before the season, but it looks like they've recovered and are ready to make an impact. The Devils announced they have activated both Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes off of the non-roster injured list:

Neither man has played a game yet this season, and Hughes was primed to build off his breakout campaign last season where he had 47 points and was a runner-up for the Calder. The youngest of the three Hughes Brothers, Luke has shown he's just as good as his siblings and looks like a stud for years to come. Hughes injured his shoulder in the offseason and luckily was able to avoid surgery.

Pesce was signed this offseason to be a huge impactful defender for the Devils, and though an injury led him to an off-year, he has still managed to log over 21 minutes of ice-time in his career. New Jersey could use him as a minutes machine, and give the other Devils defenders an extra breather. In his career, Pesce has logged 198 points in 627 games while playing elite defense and having a career +92 plus/minus; all for the Carolina Hurricanes.

It's good news for Sheldon Keefe's lineup as he tries to navigate the start of this season, and heading into the game against Detroit, the Devils head coach can rest a little easier knowing he has some backup.