The New Jersey Devils made a series of roster moves Wednesday that changed the forward group for both the NHL club and the Utica Comets. New Jersey placed forward Anthony Mantha on long-term injured reserve, recalled Stefan Noesen and Lenni Hameenaho from Utica and loaned forward Riley Tufte to the Comets.
Mantha’s placement on injured reserve is retroactive to Nov. 7. He sustained a throat injury Saturday after taking a high stick from Logan Stanley during New Jersey’s game against the New York Islanders. Devils coach Sheldon Keefe said after the injury that Mantha would “miss some time.” Mantha then sat out New Jersey’s games against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets.
“miss some time” — Sheldon Keefe, Devils head coach
Utica’s production earns two recalls
Noesen returns to New Jersey after the Devils assigned him to Utica because of a crowded forward group. He appeared in five NHL games for New Jersey this season and recorded three points. With the Comets, Noesen produced six points in seven games.
Hameenaho also earned another opportunity with the Devils after a productive start in the American Hockey League. He has recorded nine points in 11 games with Utica this season and is plus-6. Hameenaho played 33 games for New Jersey last season and is continuing to compete for a regular NHL roster spot.
- Anthony Mantha: placed on long-term injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 7.
- Stefan Noesen: recalled after producing six points in seven games with Utica.
- Lenni Hameenaho: recalled after recording nine points and a plus-6 rating in 11 AHL games.
- Riley Tufte: loaned back to the Comets after his latest recall.
Tufte had been recalled Monday ahead of New Jersey’s game in Winnipeg on Tuesday. He participated in the Devils’ morning skate but did not enter the game. New Jersey used 11 forwards and seven defensemen in Winnipeg, the same lineup structure it used in Toronto on Sunday.
The Devils are scheduled to host the Washington Capitals on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. ET. Noesen and Hameenaho are available for the game after their recalls from Utica.
