Bernier (undisclosed) is slated to rejoin practice Thursday, just in time to at least serve as the backup against Chicago on Friday, Amanda Stein of the Devils' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Even with Bernier available, fantasy players should be expecting Mackenzie Blackwood to get the starting nod for the season-opener versus the Blackhawks. The 33-year-old Bernier could challenge the youngster for additional opportunities throughout the 2021-22 campaign and figures to start all eight of the team's games in Canada given Blackwood's current vaccination status.