Devils Place Ondrej Palat on IR, Recall Leading Scorer from AHL
The New Jersey Devils announced today that forward Ondrej Palat has been placed on injured-reserve with a lower-body injury. Palat hasn't played for the Devils since their 6-3 defeat to the Washington Capitals.
In a corresponding transaction, the Devils recalled forward Andreas Johnsson from the Utica Comets, where he leads the team in points with six (1g, 5a). After being placed on waivers about a week ago, Johnsson appears motivated, and this stint with the Devils could see him re-gain his place in the lineup. Possibly, he can elevate his trade value, in the same light, as he might be stuck under a deep, talented forward group, and New Jersey might seek to shed cap before the deadline; Johnsson makes $3.4 million per season, which makes him the sixth-highest paid NJ forward.
Palat has 3 goals in 6 games for New Jersey, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt. The 2x Stanley Cup champion has already stood out as a leader for this Devils group; the NHL's third-youngest team (CBJ and BUF). Before every playing a game for NJ, he earned the rank of alternate captain, joining Jack Hughes and captain Nico Hischier as the Devils' formal leadership group.
While the Devils are playing decent hockey without Palat, they will certainly want him back as soon as possible.
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