Devils Place Connor Brown on IR, Recall Stefan Noesen From Utica

The New Jersey Devils announced a couple of roster moves on Monday, placing forward Connor Brown on injured reserve (IR) and recalling forward Stefan Noesen from the Utica Comets, the Devils’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.

Brown’s placement on injured reserve is retroactive to Sept. 28, meaning he has essentially been out of the lineup since before the regular season started. Noesen, meanwhile, returns to the NHL just three days after clearing waivers and being assigned to Utica. The move gives New Jersey another forward option as the team navigates the opening stretch of the 2026-27 season.

Brown Placed on Injured Reserve

Brown’s placement on injured reserve offers an official update on his status after he missed the beginning of the season. He suffered a lower-body injury toward the end of a Devils practice on Sept. 28.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe addressed the injury in the days that followed, explaining that Brown did not feel right and would need additional time before joining the lineup. At the time, Keefe indicated that the team did not expect the injury to be significant, although the timeline remained uncertain.

He missed the first two games of the regular season, and his continued absence matters for a New Jersey team still working to strengthen its forward depth and establish consistency. He recorded 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists) in his first season in New Jersey, and his experience and versatility will be missed as the team navigates the early stages of the campaign.

For now, the Devils must manage their forward combinations without him. The injured reserve designation also creates roster flexibility as they bring another forward up to the NHL.

Noesen Returns After Clearing Waivers

It was a quick turnaround for Noesen, the veteran winger who was assigned to Utica on Oct. 9 after clearing waivers. The Devils placed Noesen on waivers as they made roster adjustments following the opening games of the season. After remaining unclaimed, he was assigned to Utica. Noesen appeared in New Jersey’s first two games before he was waived, recording 14:48 of ice time.

Noesen is coming off a difficult 2025-26 season in which injuries repeatedly sidelined him. He dealt with a groin issue early in the campaign before suffering a knee injury that required surgery. He finished the season with seven points in 38 games, a significant drop-off from the career-best performance he delivered the season before, when he tallied 41 points, including 22 goals and 19 assists.

That offensive production shows Noesen’s value when he is playing effectively. His ability to contribute around the net and bring a physical presence to the forward group should be useful as the Devils work through their early-season roster challenges.

Although clearing waivers allowed the Devils to keep Noesen within the organization without losing him to another club, his recall shows that he likely won’t spend a lot of time in Utica, at least for now. His precise role in the lineup remains to be seen, but he will add another experienced option up front.

Up Next for the Devils

The Devils have not announced a timetable for Brown’s return or specified how Noesen will fit into the lineup following his recall. Both situations will be worth monitoring as New Jersey continues its 2026-27 campaign.

The team finishes up a three-game homestand when they face the Ottawa Senators on Monday, for a 7 PM ET puck drop. They then hit the road for one game against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday, Oct. 13, before they return home to host the New York Rangers on Thursday.