Devils coach Pete DeBoer likes what Bryce Salvador brings to the table as the team's captain. "I think he's exceptional in the leadership capacity," said DeBoer. "He has a real calming influence. He's a calm guy, but at the same time he's as competitive a person when the puck drops as any athlete I've worked with. That's a nice combination to have because you're not overreacting to situations because of your personality, and at the same time you're the first guy into the war, so to speak, when the puck drops." Salvador has also been used heavily this season with an average of 25:08 minutes of ice time per contest. He doesn't have much offensive upside though, which makes him a non-factor in standard fantasy leagues.

Bryce Salvador doesn't think the Devils should be panicking after their 0-1-2 start. The Devils coughed up a 3-0 lead on Monday to suffer a 5-4 shootout loss. "It's a long schedule," Salvador said. "If, at this point you really start squeezing your stick. Obviously we want to win and we need points, but you can't overdo the pressure on it." All the same, the pressure will start to mount on the Devils if they go too much longer without a win.

Bryce Salvador doesn't think Ilya Kovalchuk is replaceable. Kovalchuk shocked the hockey world by retiring with the likely intention of playing in the KHL. "You can't replace him and you can't dwell on him (leaving)," Salvador said. "That's what I've learned. You definitely just can't look back. You've got to look forward. You have to put the onus on the organization to make decisions as they see fit based on the information they're given." Salvador added that he respects Kovalchuk's desire to return home.

According to New Jersey GM Lou Lamoriello, Bryce Salvador's bruised left wrist/thumb is now "100 percent." "He's back to normal," Lamoriello said Wednesday. "I saw him yesterday and he's perfect." Salvador was injured blocking a shot from Zdeno Chara and the ailment forced him to miss the last eight games of the regular season.

Bryce Salvador won't need surgery on his wrist and should be cleared to work out in a week. Just an FYI for those wondering about Salvador's wrist injury. He has no fantasy value next season.

Bryce Salvador (wrist) is done for the season. Of course, at this point all that means is that he won't play this week. He had two points in 22 penalty minutes in 39 games this season.

Bryce Salvador (bruised right wrist) admitted Thursday he might not be able to play again this season. Salvador suffered the injury when he took a Zdeno Chara slapshot off his wrist. The Devils' captain said the puck struck him where the thumb meets the hand but reiterated that X-rays were still negative. It's unlikely he'll play again this season.

Bryce Salvador was sent for an additional opinion on his bruised right wrist. Salvador hasn't played since taking a Zdeno Chara slapshot off his wrist last week. X-rays and MRIs have shown no fracture but there's been no improvement. It's possible Salvador has played his last game this season.

Bryce Salvador (wrist) isn't traveling with the New Jersey Devils. Salvador will consequently miss his second straight game on Monday. He has two points and 22 penalty minutes in 39 games this season.

Bryce Salvador (wrist) is considered doubtful for Monday's game against Toronto. "I think the extent of the injury was more than day to day for him and I don't see him being ready for Monday," coach Pete DeBoer said. He hasn't skated since bruising his wrist on a Zdeno Chara slap shot on Wednesday night.