The Devils are expecting defenseman Adam Larsson to play a more pivotal role this season. The talented 20-year-old reargaurd is entering his third NHL season this fall and although New Jersey coach Peter DeBoer seems happy with his progress, there is pressure for Larsson to live up to his potential. "If this was easy, everybody would do it," DeBoer said of Larsson. "If getting drafted high meant you automatically became an NHL All-Star . we all know that's not the case. He's just got to take another step. I like where he's at. I like the path he's taken. He's paid his dues. He's had some adversity and I think we're going to have a better player for that this year." DeBoer still believes Larrson will be a key player on his team's blueline. "I don't think there's any doubt about that," DeBoer said. Watch Larsson carefully this month. He could be a breakout candidate.

Adam Larsson returned to action on Friday April 12.

Adam Larsson didn't skate in the morning or play Wednesday after he was hit with a shot during Tuesday's practice. Larsson has five assists, 43 blocks and a plus-3 rating in 29 games with New Jersey this season. Henrik Tallinder suited up in his place against the Boston Bruins. For now, we'll list Larsson as day-to-day with an undisclosed ailment.

The Devils will scratch Adam Larsson yet again Saturday against Toronto. It will be the third game in four that Larsson will sit in the press box. The Devils are in a battle for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and it is obvious that New Jersey head coach Peter DeBoer just doesn't trust him enough to play well in important games. Follow DeBoer's lead and keep Larsson far away from your active roster.

Adam Larsson will be in the lineup Saturday against the Panthers. He was a healthy scratch Friday against the Lightning but will draw back in likely at the expense of Mark Fayne.

Adam Larsson will be replaced by Mark Fayne for Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Coach Pete DeBoer usually chooses to sit Larsson in the press box once or twice a month so he can see the game from a different angle. The former No. 4 overall pick has struggled of late, particularly on the offensive end. After scoring two goals and 18 points in 65 games in his rookie year, Larsson has just five assists in 27 contests this season.

Adam Larsson will be a healthy scratch on Thursday. "I guess they had to do something with six straight losses," Larsson said. Devils coach Pete DeBoer said there wasn't necessarily anything that Larsson was doing wrong, but he wants to get some "fresh legs" into the lineup.

Adam Larsson accidentally deflected a puck into his own net during his season debut Thursday. It was hard to fault Larsson for the deflection, who otherwise played a decent game. The Swedish defenseman played 17:51 against the Islanders and even got some time on both special teams units. Larsson has a ton of offensive potential, but it's tough to recommend him when coach Pete DeBoer won't commit to playing him on a nightly basis.

Adam Larsson will suit up for the Devils for the first time this season on Thursday night against the Islanders. He will replace Mark Fayne, who has a minor arm injury, in the lineup. Larsson has been a healthy scratch for the team's previous five games.

The Devils don't appear to have any plans to send Adam Larsson down to the minors for playing time. "It really is just five games and certainly all of us are aware of a young player," GM Lou Lamoriello said. "All of us are aware of his progress and development and both the coaching staff and myself are on the same page with this. When it's the right time, he'll play." Larsson has been a healthy scratch for New Jersey's opening five games this season.