New Jersey Devils Face Injury Crisis as Cody Glass Lands on IR
The New Jersey Devils announced significant roster changes on Monday as forward Cody Glass has been placed on the injured reserve list due to a lower-body injury. This decision comes at a challenging time for the team, which is grappling with multiple player absences.
The injury occurred during Wednesday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks, forcing the team to make immediate adjustments to their lineup ahead of their upcoming matches.
Glass's Performance and Replacement Strategy
Before his unfortunate injury, Cody Glass had appeared in six games for the Devils this season, making meaningful contributions with two goals and two assists. His absence creates a significant gap in the team's offensive lineup that needs immediate addressing.
To fill the void left by Glass, the Devils organization has decided to recall defenseman Ethan Edwards from the AHL. The 23-year-old player will join the main squad and is expected to participate in Monday's practice session as he prepares for potential game time.
Edwards brings promising statistics to the table, having recorded one goal and five points in 13 games with the Comets this season. The Devils originally selected Edwards in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, and his development has been closely monitored by the organization.
Broader Injury Concerns for Devils
The Devils' injury woes extend beyond Cody Glass, creating additional challenges for the team's management and coaching staff. During the same game against the Canadiens, the team suffered another blow when defenseman Dougie Hamilton left the game early in the second period.
Compounding these issues, forward Connor Brown was already unavailable for selection, while star player Jack Hughes has been sidelined for approximately eight weeks following finger surgery. Interestingly, Hughes sustained his injury during a team dinner in a non-hockey related incident.
With New Jersey carrying only six defensemen on their active roster before these developments, the recall of Ethan Edwards provides much-needed depth to the blue line. The timing of Edwards's promotion could prove crucial as the Devils navigate this period of multiple player absences.
The team's coaching staff, led by Sheldon Keefe, now faces the challenge of reorganizing their strategy and lineup to maintain competitive performance despite these significant personnel changes.
