Oct. 30: After scratching him for Sunday’s win over the Wild, the Devils have returned Dowling to AHL Utica, per a team announcement. The move is not surprising, given New Jersey does not play again until Thursday.
Oct. 29: Suffering a lower-body injury during a team practice on October 19th, the New Jersey Devils announced that defenseman Colin Miller has officially been placed on the injured reserve, and the team has recalled Justin Dowling to take his place on the roster.
It will not be a huge impact for New Jersey on the ice, as after being acquired from the Dallas Stars this past summer, Miller still has yet to suit up in any games this season, even before the injury took place. Last year in Dallas, Miller was an effective bottom-pairing option for the Stars, averaging almost 17 minutes a night, scoring six goals and 15 assists over 79 games.
With the Devils top-four defensemen essentially set in stone, the team has opted to keep the combination of Brendan Smith and Luke Hughes in the bottom pairing, allowing Hughes to play regular even strength with what the team has deemed a safer defensive partner.
Much like Miller, and potentially even more so, it’s going to be difficult for Dowling to break into the forward unit for New Jersey. He has not played an NHL game since the 2021-22 season with the Vancouver Canucks, and does not appear as an upgrade over any player already in the Devils’ bottom-six forward groups. However, he has gotten off to a strong start in the AHL with the Utica Comets, notching three assists in four games. At the very least, being able to practice with the Devils over the upcoming days will surely help his play once he eventually is sent back down.