The New Jersey Devils are facing a challenging situation as one of their key players, Stefan Noesen, is set to undergo knee surgery, which will keep him out for an extended period. This news comes as a surprise, considering the team's recent struggles and the player's underwhelming performance this season. But here's where it gets controversial... Noesen's knee injury could be the missing piece to explain his poor output in 2025-26. He's been a fourth-line forward, but his previous breakout season in 2024-25, where he scored 22 goals and 41 points, was a stark contrast to his current form. And this is the part most people miss... The Devils could have avoided this situation by opting for offseason surgery, but Noesen decided to try rehab first. Now, the team must navigate salary cap gymnastics to accommodate Johnathan Kovacevic's return from long-term injured reserve and Evgenii Dadonov's potential comeback. The Devils' front office will need to make some tough decisions to keep the team competitive. So, what do you think? Do you agree with Noesen's decision to try rehab first, or do you think the Devils should have acted sooner? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
