Pucks and Pitchforks
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New Jersey Devils Kyle Palmieri Out For 4-6 Weeks

By Tyler Kelley

ST. PAUL, MN - NOVEMBER 20: New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) reacts after missing the net with a shot in the 3rd period during the regular season game between the New Jersey Devils and the Minnesota Wild on November 20, 2017 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Devils defeated the Wild 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. PAUL, MN - NOVEMBER 20: New Jersey Devils right wing Kyle Palmieri (21) reacts after missing the net with a shot in the 3rd period during the regular season game between the New Jersey Devils and the Minnesota Wild on November 20, 2017 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Devils defeated the Wild 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by David Berding/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri is has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks with a broken foot today.  This was apparently caused by a Matt Dumba slapshot in the victory over Minnesota.  Palmieri did finish the game despite the broken foot.

This is a big hit for a hot Devils team.  After starting the year without Travis Zajac and Brian Boyle,  now they must deal with the losses of top 6 forwards Kyle Palmieri and Marcus Johansson.

Palmieri has been the Devils first line right winger since joining the team in 2015 and had nine points in his 13 games so far this year.  This is his second injury already this year and is a huge blow to a young Devils team.

Top Six Options

The loss of Palmieri for an extended period creates opportunities for younger players.  The best two options the Devils have currently are reuniting Drew Stafford with Nico Hischier and Taylor Hall on the first line or possibly sliding Jesper Bratt to the first line.

This also provides an opportunity for Pavel Zacha.  Zacha has largely been a disappointment through the first quarter of the season.  While I don’t think Zacha should get a first line spot, he certainly should slide in as middle six winger.

Adam Henrique is coming off a great game against Minnesota. He may have earned himself a role alongside Zajac as the second line left wing.

Binghamton

More from Pucks and Pitchforks

With Stefan Noesen and Jimmy Hayes as extra forwards it seems unlikely the Devils will call anyone up.

However, John Quenneville and Joseph Blandisi had good showings with the Devils in preseason and Nick Lappin has been scorching hot recently in Binghamton.  Although a call-up is likely unnecessary it could be a good opportunity to see if Quenneville is ready to perform at the NHL level.

The reality is the Devils need Johansson more than ever now.  A healthy Johansson provides an immediate boost to a team desperate for top 6 wingers now.  With that said, the door is open for both Adam Henrique and Pavel Zacha to prove they belong in the top 6 right now.

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