The New Jersey Devils announced that defenceman Will Butcher is out of the lineup with an upper-body injury. There is no timetable for return.
⚠️ #NJDevils Will Butcher out against Sharks with an upper body injury, from blocking a shot against St. Louis.
— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) February 20, 2020
Will Butcher Out Of The Lineup
After having a day off, the Devils were back on the ice practicing prior to the game against the San Jose Sharks Thursday night. During the Devils 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Blues, Butcher blocked a shot early into the first period. He only played two shifts playing only 2:05 of the first and did not return. This is the second injury for Butcher this season. In October, Butcher missed several games after blocking a shot against the New York Rangers. Through 56 games this season, Butcher has 21 points (four goals and 17 assists).
In addition to Butcher being hurt, the Devils will be without Nick Merkley as well. In the same game against the Blues, Merkley to a stick to the eye and did not return to the game. While he was a participant in the morning skate, sporting a full cage, the Devils are holding him out against the Sharks. Since being called up, Merkley has played in three games recording two points (one goal and one assist).
Going Forward
With the injury to Butcher and Sami Vatanen still out of the lineup, the Devils recalled Dakota Mermis from the AHL. In addition, Colton White has been with the team since the injury to Vatanen. But with Andy Greene being traded, White has slotted into the lineup. Mermis will see his first NHL action against the Sharks as he will be paired with Damon Severson.
Also, the team announced they recalled Cory Schneider from the AHL as the Devils are holding Louis Domingue out of the lineup for precautionary reasons.
This is an interesting time of year to watch teams like the Devils, especially with the trade deadline only a few days away. With Blake Coleman traded to Tampa Bay, it appears the Devils will continue to be active to improve their team for the future.
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