Nosek Returns to Practice with Devils | NOTEBOOK

There may be one less player on the Devils injured list in short order as Tomas Nosek returned to practice with his teammates today. 

The Devils were back on the ice in Newark, fresh off their four-game road trip. The preparation now begins for a brief stint at home, hosting the Washington Capitals on Friday night.

Eyes on Nose(k)

Nosek hasn't been seen on the ice with his teammates since the Oct. 13th game against the Arizona Coyotes. Today was the first practice in his road to a return to play, but he has been skating for at least the past 10 days in preparation. 

"It's been good, feeling good, first time back on the ice with the body," Nosek said, "It was exciting to join the group again, it feels so good to be back."

Despite having played just two games with the team this season, Nosek has been around throughout his recovery process, which should make his eventual return as seamless as possible. He has been around the team through his recovery and regularly attends team meetings to make sure he stays in tune with the systems and team philosophies. 

Having Nosek back will be a major asset to the team. He is known for his defensive awareness and commitment, something that has troubled the team in the past few games. 

"It's been pretty much like that my whole career in the NHL to be a good defensive player," Nosek shared, "I try to do it the same here. Being a good penalty killer as well, I chip some offense too. If four lines can role, it's always good for the team."

Head coach Lindy Ruff indicated that Nosek may need a couple of more practices before he plays in his next game, saying his first practice back was "a good day". 

One practice is a great start, but the next step becomes being game-ready, shared the head coach. "Today was the first step, obviously he's close now, one practice, probably get him a couple more practice and he'll be ready."

Imposing One's Will(man)

Max Willman received the call-up from the Utica Comets while the Devils were in the midst of their four-game road trip. The call came after Jack Hughes was unable to play after he collided with the boards in the game against the St. Louis Blues. 

The synergy in systems between the Devils and Comets in Utica make for an easier adjustment for any player who is recalled, Willman explained.

"It's been going well, it's been similar to how we're playing in Utica," he said, "So it helps coming in right away and makes the transition pretty easy."

Willman, who has been a top performer in Utica since to start of the season, came into the lineup to immediately make an impact. He scored in his first game, a breakaway in Chicago, and has found himself playing on the Devils third line alongside Erik Haula and Curtis Lazar. 

"It's been going great," he said, "I played with Lazer a lot in training camp, familiar with his game a little bit and Haula is easy to play with. It's been going good."

Although he did not play any special teams in his first two games this season, he did have a spot on the penalty kill at practice today taking a few reps, something he has done in Utica. Today at practice, Willman received a few reps on the penalty-killing units during special teams practice, which is something Willman is hoping to see more of. 

"I'd love to get out there and kill. I killed down in Utica and I think that can be a big part of my game and helping me stick at this level. I'm approaching it in practice kind of like a game and trying to learn as much as I can from the other guys that are already on the kill. Hopefully I can get out there and help out."

Military Appreciation Night

On Friday night, the New Jersey Devils will host Military Appreciation Night when they welcome the Washington Capitals to Prudential Center. The night, presented by Prudential, will be the 13th such event hosted by New Jersey.

Throughout the evening the Devils and Prudential will pay tribute to the armed forces through a variety of activations, that you can read about below: