The New Jersey Devils have had a stellar season, until recently. In their last seven games, they came up short, losing five of them. On top of their current struggle to win games, they are also short two key players, and there are possible trades before March.

The Devils are second in the Metropolitan Division standings, and are only seven points behind the Washington Capitals. They have a record of 26-15-6, a vast improvement from last season.

New Jersey Devils Forward Injured On West Coast Run

Erik Haula was placed on the IR on January 17th due to an ankle sprain. He has not played since getting injured while playing the San Jose Sharks on January 4th.

Prior to their game against the Kraken, head coach Sheldon Keefe reported that the team was awaiting the results of an MRI. They were also aware that Haula would be out of the lineup for quite some time.

Haula has played in 42 games this season and has acquired 11 points. He has been a solid player for the Devils the last two seasons since arriving from the Boston Bruins. He has continued to add needed depth to the bottom six forwards for the Devils.

Haula had been consistent on the ice, he has taken 462 face-offs falling right behind Nico Hischier. His face-off percentage of 55.4% is the best on the team.

Justin Dowling has been filling in on the third line for Haula alongside Tomas Tatar and Paul Cotter.

Devils Focus On Filling Gap With Possible Trades

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is in the market for a centre or a winger. There is a need to fill in the gap in the bottom six. With Haula out, the need for a centre is crucial. Haula has had a slow season with the Devils and has not been competitive enough to score goals.

The need to bring more depth into the third and fourth lines is coming at a prime time. The Devils have until March to make trades that will benefit them going into the Playoffs. New Jersey has lost their last three overtime games, struggling to keep their competitive edge.

No trade is set in stone at this time, however, they are in the market and keeping an open mind.

Devils Lose Valuable Winger Hopefully For Short Period

Haula is not the only Devil who is out on injury. New Jersey is also facing the absence of Stefan Noesen. He was unable to make the trek to Toronto and is questionable for the game on Saturday. He is battling an illness and is marked as day-to-day.

Noesen was traded back to the Devils by the Carolina Hurricanes. He had previously spent three seasons with the Devils before being traded in 2019. He has played in 45 games and has 28 points and 99 shots on goal. He has an average of 15:53 of ice time this season, more than he has had in previous seasons.

Devils Recall Two Players To Fill Gaps While Facing The Next Home Stand

New Jersey has recalled forward Brian Halonen to replace Noesen while he is out. He is the 13th forward on the Devils roster. They have also recalled defenseman Colton White from the AHL Utica Comets, as they were short a seventh defenseman.

The New Jersey Devils will face the Philadelphia Flyers at home on Saturday, January 18th. It has not yet been released whether Noesen will recover and be in the lineup.