The New Jersey Devils played the third period and overtime against the Montreal Canadiens without one of their top defencemen.

Dougie Hamilton exited Thursday’s game before the final frame against the Canadiens after having played just 10:09.

It’s not immediately clear what happened, but his final shift of the game came about five minutes into the second period and he did not return for the Devils’ 4-3 win in overtime.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe had no update on Hamilton after the game and said he will be evaluated on Friday.

Hamilton, 32, has played 13 games for the Devils this season and has four goals and three assists while averaging 21:41 of ice time.

He was limited to just 62 games last season after suffering a season-ending lower-body injury in March.

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