The New Jersey Devils have experienced yet another horrific injury that would resulted in the death of a vital player.
Tonight, defenseman Santeri Hatakka will make yet another debut for the New Jersey Devils when he dons the red and black uniform for the first time.
Hatakka’s NHL debut is not happening Monday night. That occurred on October 30, 2021, while you were a player for the San Jose Sharks. Hatakka was a minus-5 with two assists in nine games while averaging 12:38 of ice time.
Head coach Lindy Ruff made some changes on the blue line after the team suffered a devastating 6-2 loss to the Dallas Stars. Part of the reason for that is that Colin Miller was absent from the morning skate. Due to a medical condition, the seasoned Devils defenseman is unable to play tonight. This enables Hatakka, another left-handed defenseman, to be added by New Jersey. He was skating with Cal Foote when the line rushes happened this morning.
The Hatakka-Foote combination makes sense, for sure. The Utica Comets recalls have been relatively reliable on the back end for New Jersey’s affiliate and have played together a lot in the AHL. Their current goal is to take their game to the varsity level.
“We seem to be a fairly steady pair,” Hatakka clarified on Monday morning. “Cal has played in the NHL longer than I have.” He can move the puck well and is a more stay-at-home guy. He’ll help me win the puck fights. I can add some quick skating skills to our match.
Hatakka gets another chance to make a lasting impression when it matters most, following up on his success at the Devils Development Camp this summer.
Regarding the forward group, Ruff did not change his lines.
Devils Morning Workflow Forward for Monday
Jesper Bratt, Nico Hischier, and Tyler Tofoli
Dawson Mercer, Michael McLeod, and Timo Meier
Curtis Lazar, Nathan Bastian, and Erik Haula
Alexander Holtz, Chris Tierny, and Max Willman
Defensemen Simon Nemec and Kevin Bahl
Hughes, Luke – Marino
Hatakka Santeri – Cal Foote
Goalies: Vanecek, Vitek
Nico Dews
Devils’ anticipated starting goalie
This morning, Vitek Vanecek was back in the starter’s crease, as you can see from the morning workflow. In tonight’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights, he is predicted to start.
Vanecek is coming off what may have been his best start of the year on Friday night, as the Czech goalie stopped 29 of 30 shots for an SV% of.967 and 2.06 saves above expectations, according to MoneyPuck.
Updates on Devils injuries from Lindy Ruff
Ruff provided an update on his injuries after Monday’s skate.
As we reported yesterday, Jack Hughes may or may not play in the All-Star Game, according to information obtained by New Jersey Hockey Now. The head coach of the Devils stated that he does not anticipate Jack making a comeback in the final three games before the All-Star break.
Positively, Ruff revealed that Tomas Nosek and Ondrej Palat had started skating independently. This week could mark the return of the two Devils forwards.
It’s possible that you have overlooked Nolan Foote. Though he is on injured reserve for the start of the season, he is still officially a member of the Devils’ roster. Sadly, mums are still spreading the word about the Devil’s advancement.
“(Nolan) just keeps going to rehab,” Ruff clarified. “I’m not sure about his status; he’s a little bit less visible.”
