New Jersey Devils captain Bryce Salvador will be shut down for the remainder of the 2013 season, according to general manager Lou Lamoriello on Monday afternoon.
Bryce Salvador out for remainder of season, Ilya Kovalchuk to play in final games
New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello updated the statuses of captain Bryce Salvador and Ilya Kovalchuk.
Mike Stobe
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Salvador has missed five consecutive games due to a wrist injury sustained on April 10 after he was hit with a slap shot by Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. Lamoriello stated that doctors believe the injury will not require surgery.
In 39 games played in 2013, Salvador registered two assists and 22 penalty minutes. He averaged the second most ice-time amongst Devils defensemen (21:19) and led the team in average ice-time on the penalty kill (3:27).
While Salvador's season is over, superstar forward Ilya Kovalchuk is expected to play in the team's final three games. Kovalchuk returned to the lineup on Saturday for the first time since sustaining a shoulder injury on March 23.
Some wondered if it would be in the team's best interest to shut Kovalchuk down once the team was eliminated from playoff contention. Following Sunday afternoon's loss to the New York Rangers, the Devils' postseason hopes were officially put to rest.
Kovalchuk previously stated that he wanted to finish out the year regardless of the team’s playoff chances. Lamoriello confirmed that the forward is healthy and will play in the team’s final three games.
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