New Jersey Devils forward Timo Meier began a leave of absence from the team to address “a family health matter.”
“The entire organization supports Timo and his family and appreciates everyone respecting their privacy at this time,” the Devils said in a statement Thursday.
The team was unclear how long Meier, 29, would be away from the Devils.
Meier leads New Jersey with 11 goals and also has 12 assists in 30 games. In 80 games last season, Meier accumulated 53 points (26 goals, 27 assists).
Also Thursday, the Devils announced they placed forward Evgenii Dadonov on injured reserve because of a wrist injury.
Dadonov, 36, has had an injury-plagued season, his first in New Jersey since signing a one-year, $1 million incentive-laden contract in July.
He missed 17 games after suffering a hand injury in the season-opening win against the Carolina Hurricanes on Oct. 9. Upon his return, he appeared in just four games before injuring his wrist. He has no points on the season.
Last season with the Dallas Stars, he registered 40 points (20 goals, 20 assists) in 80 games.
To fill out the roster, the club recalled forward Xavier Parent from the Utica Comets.
Parent, 24, has played 20 games with the Comets this season and has six goals and six assists.
Parent’s first appearance with the Devils will mark his NHL debut.
