The New Jersey Devils are searching for stability at a challenging point in the season, having dropped six of their last seven games while also confronting a growing list of off-ice and on-ice concerns. As results have gone sideways, the organization was met with sobering news involving one of its core players, underscoring that hockey often takes a back seat to matters far more important.
Earlier this week, the Devils announced that forward Timo Meier has taken a personal leave of absence to attend to a family health matter. The team did not provide specifics, and rightly so, but the absence of one of New Jersey’s most impactful forwards is felt both competitively and emotionally. Meier has long been recognized not only for his physical, high-effort style of play but also for the professionalism and positivity he brings to the locker room and to public appearances representing the franchise.
On the ice, Meier’s game is built on power, pace, and persistence, qualities that have made him a focal point of the Devils’ attack. Away from the rink, he has earned a reputation as one of the team’s most approachable and respected voices. In moments like this, however, wins, losses, and standings fade into the background. Family comes first, and the Devils community will undoubtedly be ready to welcome Meier back with a heartfelt response at the Rock whenever he is able to return.
As if the recent struggles were not enough, the Devils were also hit with unexpected injury developments at practice. Arseny Gritsyuk, Cody Glass, and Stefan Noesen were all absent, immediately raising questions about the team’s short-term lineup stability. While Glass and Noesen have each dealt with nagging issues in recent weeks, the absence of Gritsyuk stood out, as the young winger had yet to miss a game this season.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe later confirmed that Gritsyuk has been playing through a lingering issue that has not improved and will sideline him for the upcoming weekend back-to-back. It is an unfortunate pause for a player who has quietly become one of the Devils’ most effective drivers of play. Through 31 games, Gritsyuk has recorded 16 points while primarily skating in a third-line role and contributing on the second power-play unit, numbers that only hint at his broader impact.
Gritsyuk’s value lies in his ability to tilt the ice. His combination of smart forechecking, strong skating, and soft hands has consistently helped New Jersey control possession at five-on-five, often producing some of the team’s best shot metrics regardless of his linemates. He brings energy and structure to every shift, and his absence adds another layer of difficulty for a roster already searching for answers.
With Meier away and Gritsyuk temporarily sidelined, the pressure shifts to the remaining healthy skaters to elevate their game. The Devils’ recent stretch has highlighted the fine margins between confidence and collapse, particularly in a competitive Eastern Conference. Depth players will be asked to take on larger roles, and leadership will need to come from every corner of the room.
Despite the adversity, the season remains far from decided. The Devils have shown in previous years that resilience is part of their identity, and moments like this often reveal the character of a team. Getting healthier, tightening defensive details, and rediscovering their pace-driven identity will be essential as they work to reverse their recent slide.
For fans following every development around the New Jersey Devils, this stretch serves as a reminder that the story of a season is rarely linear. There will be setbacks, unexpected absences, and difficult nights in the standings. What matters now is how the Devils respond, both in supporting their teammates off the ice and in finding a way to compete with urgency once the puck drops again.
