New Jersey Devils forward Mike Cammalleri injury update: Out for rest of 2016 season

The Devils will be without forward Mike Cammalleri for the rest of the regular season.

Despite entering the season as one of the favorites to finish last in the NHL, the New Jersey Devils find themselves in the playoff hunt as the regular season comes to a close. Their hopes for the playoffs have depended on the health of forward Mike Cammalleri, who hasn’t played since January 26 due to a hand injury. His season, along with the hopes of the Devils making the playoffs, are over.

New Jersey had a 25-20-5 record on January 26th. Since then, they have a 5-11-2 record. Cammalleri’s absence has been arguably the biggest reason for that slump. He had 14 goals, 24 assists, and 38 points in 42 games this season as their most consistent scorer while he was in the lineup. Despite missing over 30 games, Cammalleri is fourth on the Devils in points and goals.

The Devils have had a nice run, but they likely can’t make a playoff run without Cammalleri’s consistent offense in the lineup. Despite the disappointing second half of their season, Devils fans have a lot to be excited about. Kyle Palmieri and Adam Henrique have blossomed and will serve as the building blocks to their future. Forwards Reid Boucher and Devante Smith-Pelly have proven that they deserve more ice time in the future. With Cammalleri back healthy next season, the Devils could be a dark horse playoff contender for next season.

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