Devils lose Josefson with broken wrist

NEWARK, N.J. -- The bad luck continues for Devils center Jacob Josefson.

The 21-year-old Swede fractured his left wrist in the second period of Tuesday's 3-1 win against the Islanders at Prudential Center and will miss four to six weeks, according to the Devils. Josefson was centering the fourth line between Ryan Carter and Cam Janssen.

Josefson missed 37 games earlier this season with a broken right clavicle and 30 games last season with a detached ligament in his right hand.

"I feel terrible for him," Devils goalie Johan Hedberg said. "He works so hard and deserves all the good things. He's obviously going to be strong mentally when he gets through all this. Hopefully he can keep his head up. It's not fair."

Josefson returned from his clavicle injury on Jan. 17 and has played in all 36 games since, scoring two goals and dishing out six assists. He had points in back-to-back games and in three of his previous five games prior to Tuesday.

It appeared Josefson was finally getting comfortable in his role, and coach Peter DeBoer also had continuity in his lines.

"He was playing so well and he already battled through the one major injury, so it's a tough hand to be dealt for him and for us," DeBoer said. "He was becoming a real valuable piece for us. We have to figure it out again, but that's hockey. It's a war of attrition. It's going to get worse as the playoffs go on and that's what depth is about."

DeBoer said he and general manager Lou Lamoriello were going to have a conversation late Tuesday night about how the Devils planned to replace Josefson. However, with David Clarkson (lower-body injury) expected to be on the ice for practice Wednesday, it's possible that the Devils leave the roster alone for now.

Carter could move back to center on the fourth line between Steve Bernier and either Janssen or Eric Boulton.

"Everybody in the room really feels for Jake," Hedberg said. "He's been through so much these two years with injuries. Every time he's getting his groove and things are going well for him and he's ready to take the next step some unfortunate injury happens to set him back. It's not easy for him to keep his spirits up, but that's really the only thing he can do. We have to be there to support him and make sure he stays positive."

Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl