Devils Place Josefson on IR, Recall Sislo

The Devils have announced forward Jacob Josefson has been placed on retroactive IR to December 26th. In a corresponding move, they have also recalled Mike Sislo from Albany.

This moves comes as a surprise for the most part, Josefson, who has practiced with no restrictions and was a healthy scratch for Stefan Matteau last night, did not appear to suffer any injury. The Devils do say it is a lower body injury and the injury may have possibly occurred December 20th where he blocked a shot against the Bruins. Josefson's production had been nothing spectacular thus far, registering 1 goal and 6 assists in 36 games so a change may have been the in the best interests of both New Jersey and Josefson himself.

With Josefson going to Injured Reserve, the Devils recalled Mike Sislo from Albany as his replacement. Sislo, who is Albany's leading scorer thus far on the season has excelled in the AHL, playing on the top line and leading the team in points. Although this will mark Sislo's third stint in the NHL, he has yet to breakthrough into the league and make a meaningful impact. In his total 24 NHL games, Sislo has registered one point, an assist, this will be his first true chance under new coach John Hynes.

Impact in New Jersey

Though most of Sislo's time in New Jersey came under coach Peter Deboer, Sislo excelled in John Hynes' system in the preseason, notably scoring against the Rangers. While preseason is not always a predictor of success, it's encouraging Sislo appears to fit Hynes' system better. While Sislo will likely play a bottom-six role in New Jersey, the biggest impact may be felt in Albany. The team will be missing their leading scorer in Sislo, who has 13 goals and 10 assists in 28 games. Playing with Joseph Blandisi and Matt Lorito on the top line, Sislo has excelled even strength and on the man advantage, with 9 power play goals. Sislos absence may open the opportunity for other players to take a chance on the top line.

Your Thoughts

How do you see Mike Sislo playing in New Jersey? Will he finally find a role in the bottom-six in Hynes' system or will he continue to be an AHL player? How does the loss of Josefson impact the team? Let us know your thoughts and thank you for reading.