The New Jersey Devils will head on their upcoming four-game road-trip without defenseman Brett Pesce , head coach Sheldon Keefe told team reporter Amanda Stein after Sunday’s win over the Colorado Avalanche. Pesce left that game in the first period after blocking a shot. Keefe told media that Pesce’s injury was “not great” .

This is yet another blow to the Devils’ blue-line. They are already missing reliable depth defender Johnathan Kovacevic , who is still recovering from a knee injury sustained during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. New Jersey has avoided major lineup changes in light of Kovacevic’s injury, largely thanks to young pro Simon Nemec , who has seven assists in nine games this season. But Pesce’s absence will force the Devils to reach into their depth chart.

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