Why the NJ Devils called up Evan Cormier to replace Louis Domingue

GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s been less than a year since Evan Cormier’s professional hockey career began but it’s been quite a year for the netminder. The goalie’s journey from the University of Guelph to pro hockey will culminate with a stint in NHL on Saturday.

The New Jersey Devils called up Cormier, who came to the Devils on an American Hockey League tryout contract earlier this year, from Adirondack of the ECHL to replace the injured Louis Domingue on the roster and he’ll dress for the final game of a four-game trip, backing up Mackenzie Blackwood. 

Domingue suffered a lower-body injury Friday night in Denver, in the Devils’ 3-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. He was replaced by Blackwood in the second period and placed on injured reserve Saturday afternoon. 

The Devils don’t expect Domingue to be out long-term, the hope is to get him back by next weekend for back-to-back games. Cory Schneider played for Binghamton of the AHL on Friday night and the BDevils play again on Wednesday, so the timing wasn’t quite right for the veteran to make his NHL return. 

“It’s short-term,” interim coach Alain Nasreddine said. “I have to follow up with the medical staff but it’s nothing too serious or long-term.”

Taylor Hall will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game as the Devils look to trade their star winger. Hall is being held out for precautionary reasons but there is nothing to indicate a trade is imminent as of press time.

It might be a disappointing time for the Devils but it’s a cool story for Cormier. 

Abbey Mastracco is the Devils beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Devils analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app. 

Email: mastraccoa@northjersey.com Twitter: @abbeymastracco