Gillies, 27, has appeared in one game this season with New Jersey, stopping 19 of 22 shots against Pittsburgh Dec. 19. He's played in 14 career NHL games since being drafted in the third round (75th overall) of the 2012 NHL Draft by Calgary.
"Gillies is a good goalie. He's a big guy and we trust him," defenseman Ryan Graves said of his 6-foot-6, 223-pound netminder. "I thought he looked good in the game we played earlier this year.
Gillies has spent most of his pro career in the American Hockey League. But with the rash of injuries on the Devils roster, he's being given a chance to show what he can do at the NHL level.
"This season gives guys opportunities," Graves said. "It's one of the good things over the last few years, guys that maybe weren't going to get games are now getting games. He's one of those guys that will benefit from it. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do. He's a guy that's had a longer road. It's nice to see him get a chance."
Though Ruff didn't confirm it, the Devils may have to recall goalie Mareks Mitens, 23, from Utica to serve as the club's backup. Jonathan Bernier (hip surgery), Akira Schmid (COVID) and Nico Daws (injured) are both unavailable.
"It looks that way yes," Ruff said.
Mitens, 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, has appeared in six games for Utica of the American Hockey League, posting a 3-2-1 record, 3.45 goals-against average and .877 save percentage.
