What happened: The New Jersey Devils placed forward Anthony Mantha on long-term injured reserve Wednesday, making the designation retroactive to Nov. 7. To fill the roster openings, the team recalled forwards Stefan Noesen and Lenni Hameenaho from AHL Utica. Forward Riley Tufte was loaned to Utica in a corresponding transaction.

Why it matters: The LTIR placement provides New Jersey with immediate salary cap relief while Mantha recovers from his throat injury. Mantha joined the Devils on a two-year contract in July after scoring 33 goals last season. Promoting Noesen and Hameenaho reinforces the forward corps without requiring outside acquisitions.

What to watch: The Devils next evaluate forward line combinations during practice ahead of their upcoming schedule. Tufte joins Utica for AHL game action.