Devils Star Forward Ruled Out vs. Capitals

The New Jersey Devils will be without one of their top forwards against the Washington Capitals, as star winger Timo Meier has been ruled out for the contest.

Devils head coach Lindy Ruff shared that Meier has suffered a mid-body injury and noted that he is not expected to miss serious time, but he will not be in the lineup against the Capitals. With the Capitals and Devils currently close in the Metropolitan Division standings, it is certainly not ideal that New Jersey will not have Meier in the lineup, as he is a key forward on their roster. 

Meier has had a bit of a slow start to the season with the Devils, and this latest injury does not help his chances of turning it around. In 28 games this campaign, he has nine goals to go along with 15 points. While that is not bad production, it is certainly low for his standards, as he normally flirts with being a point-per-game player each season.

The Devils will now need to adjust without Meier in their lineup. 

In response to this move, the Devils have called up Graeme Clarke to their NHL roster. The 22-year-old winger is having a solid season in the AHL with the Utica Comets, as he has 11 goals to go along with 21 points in 28 games. This likely played a role in the Devils giving him this call-up with Meier out, and we will need to wait and see how much of an impact he can make with the NHL squad from here.

photo credit:  Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports