Vatanen missed Sunday’s game in Carolina and his move to IR means that he will miss at least one more game (Tuesday vs. the Canadiens). The Devils defenseman will be eligible to come off of IR on Thursday (vs. the Islanders) but there is no timetable for his return at this time.
Vatanen was injured in Thursday’s win in Philadelphia and will miss at least the next three games with a lower-body injury. With Vatanen on IR, Eric Gryba was recalled from the AHL, but Yegor Yakolev will draw into the lineup.
Vatanen was forced to leave Thursday’s game in Philadelphia with a lower-body injury but has not been ruled out for Saturday’s game. Because of the early start, expect an update from the Devils a few hours before the 1:00pm puck-drop.
After being acquired for Adam Henrique, Joseph Blandisi and a third round pick on Thursday, Vatanen will immediately draw in on the top pair and top power play unit in Colorado tonight. Vatanen will take Steven Santini's spot with Andy Greene and will quarterback the top unit with Will Butcher. Vatanen has one goal, three assists and 22 shots on goal in 15 games this season.
The Ducks have good D-depth but were extremely thin up front, so moving Vatanen helps balance things out for them. Vatanen, who missed the start of the season with a shoulder injury has picked up four points (1G / 3A) in 15 games. He will likely play a huge role on the Devils’ blueline, including likely anchoring their top power-play unit. He will no longer have to fight for PP time with Cam Fowler or Brandon Montour.
Vatanen underwent surgery on a torn labrum this summer and the Ducks don’t expect to have the play-making defenseman in their lineup until early-November, if all goes to plan. This is a tough way for Vatanen to start 2017-18 after a rough 2016-17 season that saw him record just three goals and 21 assists (24 points). Look for Brandon Montour to see an extended look in the top-4 and on the power-play while Vatanen is out.
Vatanen has missed the last four games with a lower-body injury, but head coach Randy Carlyle said that he will be available for Tuesday’s game in Minnesota. Expect either Brandon Montour or Shea Theodore to be a healthy scratch with Vatanen returning.
Vatanen has missed the last three games with a lower-body injury and isn’t expected to play this weekend. Vatanen was on the ice for practice on Friday but was not a full-participant, which suggests that he still has a ways to go in his recovery.
