Nico Hischier, the captain of the New Jersey Devils, has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to January 25 due to an upper-body injury. Head coach Sheldon Keefe expressed optimism that Hischier will return after the break for the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Hischier sustained his injury following a cross-check from Montreal's Nick Suzuki during a game on January 25, in which the Devils won 4-3 in overtime. Despite returning for one shift in the third period, Hischier ultimately left the game. The 26-year-old leads the Devils with 24 goals and has recorded 19 assists this season.

In addition, the Devils have recalled defenseman Simon Nemec from their AHL affiliate, who has contributed one assist in nine games with the team this season.