What happened: The Devils said Casey recently underwent knee surgery, sidelining a defense prospect who had been pushing toward NHL duty. He had been positioned as a likely recall option and a puck-moving complement for Anton Silaev.

Why it matters: That matters because the New Jersey Devils are already managing blue-line depth, with Johnathan Kovacevic out and Declan Chisholm skating alongside Brenden Dillon. Casey's absence also shifts the development track for Ethan Edwards and Mikael Diotte if another internal option is needed.

What to watch: Watch how the Devils handle the extra-defenseman slot and whether Silaev's pairing changes early in the season. Casey's return will shape when New Jersey gets that depth option back.