Yahoo Sports Depth Forward Returns To Devils Lineup Against Maple Leafs
The New Jersey Devils will get one injured player back on Tuesday night when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Nathan Bastian will return to the lineup for the first time since suffering a jaw injury against the Calgary Flames on Nov. 1.
The Devils assigned depth forward Nathan Légaré to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League.
"(Bastian) has got more experience, a little more size," Keefe said to NJD.TV. "He can help us on the penalty kill and in some defensive situations. Some fresh legs coming into the lineup. I know he will be excited to play after missing some time. He is an important guy for us in our room. He brings lots of positive energy. It will be good to bring him back to the group."
Bastian has been skating with the team in a full shield since Nov. 19. Recently, he has not shied away from physicality and, on Monday, skated on a line with Tomas Tatar and Justin Dowling.
Through 12 games, Bastian has five points (two goals, three assists) and 19 hits.
Puck drops between the Devils and Maple Leafs at 7:00 p.m. Fans can watch the game on ESPN+ or Hulu or listen on the Devils Hockey Network.
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