Devils Star Defenseman Set To Return

Dougie Hamilton will be back in the lineup for the New Jersey Devils when they play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. 

Hamilton has not played since January 2nd's contest against the Washington Capitals due to a broken jaw. Since then, the Devils have plummeted in the standings, as they sport a 17-28-5 record and are last in the Metropolitan Division. Needless to say, Hamilton's absence really hurt them. 

Hamilton signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with New Jersey this past summer. So far with the team, he has not been disappointing in the slightest. In 30 games, he has seven goals to go along with 13 helpers. That is solid production from the blueline, and the Devils will naturally be ecstatic to have the 6-foot-6 defenseman back because of it. 

Although the playoffs are well out of reach for the Devils, it is still very positive to see one of their stars finally being ready to return. Let's see how Hamilton performs from here.

Photo Credit: © Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports