The forward, who led New Jersey with 25 points (six goals, 19 assists) and was the Hart Trophy winner as NHL most valuable player in 2017-18, was sent to the Arizona Coyotes on Monday for two minor-league players, a prospect and two draft picks.
The Devils, who won 2-1 against the Coyotes on Saturday, are 1-4-1 since Alain Nasreddine replaced John Hynes as coach Dec. 3 and 1-6-1 in their past eight games while being outscored 28-12.
Ducks goalie Ryan Miller will make his first start since Dec. 6 after John Gibson started the past five games, including a 4-1 loss at the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday.