The day many New Jersey Devils fans have been anxiously waiting for has finally arrived.
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After the team’s optional morning skate, head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that defensemen Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes would be in New Jersey’s lineup Thursday night against the Detroit Red Wings.
“They will both be in tonight,” Keefe said to reporters.
“They are two very good defensemen. Obviously, Pesce is well established, and we’ve been excited to have him part of our group, but more in an official capacity here in uniform, which is just great,” he continued. “Obviously, Luke’s an exciting young player. (He) had a tremendous season last year as a first-year guy, and I’m excited to get to know him better with him in uniform, too.”
On Sept. 12, the Devils announced that Hughes would miss the start of the season with a shoulder injury. His initial timeframe was six to eight weeks. Pesce sustained a fractured fibula with the Carolina Hurricanes last season and has been rehabbing his injury.
Jan 13, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Brett Pesce (22) celebrates his game winning goal in the overtime against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
The two have been rehabbing together and, through that, have been able to learn more about each other.
“(I’ve) gotten really close to this guy,” Pesce said of Hughes. “I learned a lot about him over the past month or so. Excited to play with him.”
After dropping their last two games and giving up a combined 14 goals, the two defensemen will be a welcome addition to a Devils’ blue line that has struggled as of late.
Puck drop between the Devils and Red Wings will take place at 7:00 P.M., EST.
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