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Since it's almost time to start using our toes to count the number of Devils injuries, I thought now would be a good time for a quick overview of the players who are out and their injuries. The New Jersey Devils all in all have 8 injuries, and if things couldn't get any worse, the most notable is the recent news of Zach Parise in which he will be out 3 months due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. The Devils are already struggling on defense and in scoring. Here's an overview of the month of October for the Devils and here's a raw shot analysis so far this season. One thing the Devils can't control are injuries. Here's the list starting with the longest time assumed out:
Zach Parise - He's expected back sometime in early February. It's been an ailing injury that began hurting him in training camp. Again, he's out 3 months. The Devils did not place him on long term injured reserve yet. He's making $5 million this season (cap: $3.125m).
Jacob Josefson - Just a few days ago, Josefson, the rookie center suffered a torn ligament in his hand. He will miss 6 to 8 weeks. That's late December. He was slashed on the hand and then fell onto his hand, though it can not be determined which actually caused the tear.
Bryce Salvador - Salvador was checked hard a couple times in a preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He was sent for tests and a few days later, it was determined he suffered a concussion and will out indefinitely on Oct. 1st. This initially helped the Devils solve their cap issues when he was put in LTIR. Per the same article from before, there's no update on him and he remains out. Whenever he is cleared to play, it's going to be at least three weeks for him to begin skating and practicing before he gets into a game. It's likely to assume five or six weeks for Salvador until an update comes.
Mark Fraser - Fraser suffered his injury (at Buffalo), and the next day he found out he broke his hand, would need surgery to insert a pin and would be 4 to 6 weeks. Fraser is still off the ice because he can't sweat (probably because of the pin and cast). If he's been completely unable to work out, it may be another 2 weeks before we see Salvador back in the lineup.
Anssi Salmela - This was an off-season injury that was reported mid-September that he was months behind. That turns out to be shorter than expected. He's begun skating already. He's probably another two weeks or so away.
Brian Rolston - Rolston initially obtained an injury against the game at Washington. It was determined later next week he had a sports hernia, was going to have surgery, and miss 4 to 6 weeks. This injury finally put the Devils in a comfortable cap situation after dressing less than 20 players in a couple instances. Rolston has begun skating and is doing well. He's probably a week or two away from getting into a game. If that's the case, Lou might have to make a move quick.
Matthew Corrente - About a week ago, Corrente suffered a broken hand that looked to be serious. It turns out it was a non-displace fracture and he's listed now as day-to-day.
Anton Volchenkov - The Devils lost Volchenkov along with Rolston in Washington when he was hit in the face with the puck. He broke his nose and has been nursing a stiff neck for some time. He has been skating for a while and practicing with the AHL team. It is probable that he will play in Friday's game against the Rangers.