Hamilton (jaw) was activated from injured reserve Thursday, per the NHL's media site, and will play Thursday in Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

News broke earlier in the week that Hamilton would return following a nearly six-week absence, and his formal activation confirms that. Hamilton will look to bolster his line of seven goals, 20 points and 108 shots in 30 games this season.

Hamilton (jaw) will return to the lineup Thursday versus the Penguins, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton will need to officially be activated off injured reserve before rejoining the lineup, but his nearly six-week absence is set to come to an end. Hamilton should return to a featured role skating on the top pairing and first power-play unit versus the Penguins.

Hamilton (jaw) is hoping to suit up in Thursday's matchup with the Penguins, telling reporters, "It's been going good so far, so I think I'm ready to play," Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton took part in power-play drills at Tuesday's practice session, a good indication he'll be back in the lineup versus Pittsburgh. If the offensively gifted defenseman does play, it would mark the end of his 17-game absence due to his jaw injury. Whenever Hamilton is cleared to play, he figures to offer solid top-half fantasy value.

Hamilton (jaw) will not participate in Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, per Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton's next opportunity to return will be Tuesday versus Tampa Bay. He has missed the last 15 games while dealing with a jaw injury and is expected to miss a 16th. The 28-year-old has averaged 19:57 of ice time -- 2:32 during the power play -- and recorded five points over his last 10 appearances.

Hamilton (jaw) was a full participant in practice Saturday, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton has missed the last 15 games while dealing with a jaw injury. He has racked up 20 points over 30 games this season. The 28-year-old could potentially return to play as soon as Sunday's tilt against Pittsburgh.

Hamilton (jaw) skated on his own prior to Sunday's practice but didn't participate in the actual practice, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports. He isn't cleared for contact and will not play the next three games.

EDGE Analysis

Without any practice time under his belt, Hamilton won't be available for the next three games -- road contests in Ottawa, Montreal and St. Louis. His next chance to suit up after that point will come when the Devils return home to host Pittsburgh on Feb. 13, though he'll obviously need to be cleared for contact prior to that.

Hamilton (jaw) was still wearing a non-contact jersey for Monday's game-day skate and won't be an option versus the Leafs, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Given the Devils are heading into a back-to-back with another matchup versus Toronto on Tuesday, fantasy players probably shouldn't be expecting Hamilton to suit up in the contest either. With the All-Star break around the corner, keeping Hamilton off the ice until at least Feb. 7 against Ottawa should give him the time to heal up. Once cleared to play, the 28-year-old defenseman should be a lock for both the top pairing and No. 1 power-play units and figures to offer top-end fantasy value in those roles.

Hamilton (jaw) practiced with the team Wednesday in a non-contact jersey and will join his teammates for a three-game road trip, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Considering Hamilton hasn't been cleared for contact, it seems unlikely he will be ready in time to face the Lightning on Thursday, though he hasn't been officially ruled out. Still, the fact that the Toronto native is making the trip would seem to indicate the Devils anticipate him being available before the NHL All-Star break.

Hamilton (jaw/COVID-19 protocols) resumed skating with a skills coach Monday and is considered week-to-week, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton is still recovering from the surgery he underwent to repair his broken jaw in early January, and at this point it's probably safe to assume he'll be sidelined until early February at a minimum. Once cleared to play, Hamilton, who's racked up 20 points through 30 contests this season, will return to a top-four role and a spot on New Jersey's No. 1 power-play unit.

The Devils placed Hamilton (jaw) in COVID-19 protocols Friday, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton was already expected to miss more time as he recovers from jaw surgery, so the COVID-19 infection is unlikely to delay his return. The defenseman had seven goals and 13 assists in 30 games before getting injured and should return to being New Jersey's top right defenseman once healthy.