Devils’ Noesen out for the season; Pesce questionable to return
The New Jersey Devils have provided updates on a couple of their injured players.
On Sunday, head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that forward Stefan Noesen is out for the remainder of the regular season as he recovers from knee surgery he underwent in January. Meanhilere, defenseman Brett Pesce is considered questionable to return this season with a lower-body injury he suffered in early March.
Sheldon Keefe says that Brett Pesce is questionable to be able to return this season. Stefan Noesen has been ruled out for the remainder of the year. #NJDevils
Noesen, 33, hasn’t played since January 8th. In 38 games for the Devils this season, he put up three goals and four assists for seven points. Last season for New Jersey, he had a career-best campaign with 22 goals and 19 assists for 41 points in 78 games.
The Devils signed the Plano, Texas native as an unrestricted free agent in July of 2024 to a three-year, $8.25 million contract.
Pesce, 31, hasn’t played since March 3rd. In 37 games played this season, he has a goal and six assists for seven points while averaging just over 20 minutes of ice time. Last season for New Jersey, he played 72 games and notched three goals and 14 assists for 17 points while averaging just over 21 minutes.
Like Noesen, Pesce was also acquired by the Devils via unrestricted free agency in July of 2024. New Jersey signed the Tarrytown, New York native to a six-year, $33 million contract.
With 72 points through 69 games, the Devils sit in second last place in the Metropolitan Division, 12 points behind the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference. It has been a difficult, disappointing season for New Jersey, who are staring down the likelihood of missing the playoffs after making the postseason in two of the last three seasons.
The Devils will visit the Dallas Stars on Tuesday before traveling to face the Nashville Predators on Thursday.