Devils Coach Confirms Brett Pesce Weeks Away from Return
UPDATE: New Jersey Devils coach Sheldon Keefe confirms that defenseman Brett Pesce is still weeks away from returning to the lineup following a hand injury suffered on October 26. The team’s defensive struggles have been severe without him, evidenced by their recent 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Devils have managed a 9-7-1 record since Pesce went down, but have faced significant challenges, ranking third in the league for man games lost to injury this season. Keefe expressed frustration over the team’s ongoing defensive issues, particularly highlighted during the Flyers game when young defensemen Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec struggled statistically.
“Getting closer, yeah,” Keefe stated when asked about Pesce’s recovery after Saturday’s game. “I’d still put him in the weeks department, though. He’s been skating lots, so I think once his hand gets going and the strength gets there, I think it’ll be pretty quick. He’s not there yet. It’s not in the near future.”
Pesce, age 31, sustained the injury while blocking a shot from Brent Burns during a game against the Colorado Avalanche. He was later seen on a broadcast wearing a cast on his left hand on November 6, further indicating the severity of the injury.
As the Devils continue to navigate through a challenging season, fans are left wondering how long they can maintain their current record without Pesce’s crucial defensive presence. Next up, the team will face more competition, and the pressure is mounting for a quick recovery.
Stay tuned for further updates on Pesce’s condition and the Devils’ performance as they strive to improve their standings in the league. For the latest insights, join our newsletter for in-depth coverage every Monday at 10 a.m. ET.
