The New Jersey Devils may not be in desperate need for a call-up in the forward department with Jacob Josefson and Mattias Tedenby serving as the traditional extras in the lineup.

For some reason, Lou Lamoriello is still content with having only 6 defensemen on the roster since no one has been called up since they returned home unless someone makes a surprise showing at today’s pregame skate. (Update: Yes, the spot has been filled, more info below).

Nov 8, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jay McClement (11) and forward Joffrey Lupul (19) battle with New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov (28) during the second period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Devils survived the California Road Trip with only 6 defenders but they still have an open roster spot. Ryane Clowe reportedly started skating again last week along with Anton Volchenkov. One would have to believe that if Clowe returns, Josefson or Tedenby will be sent down because Volchenkov will probably be right behind him.

Stephen Gionta is also struggling to stay 100% healthy and might see some extended rest until after Thanksgiving (Devils have 2 games before Turkey Day).

All of these factors could play into the idea of Joe Whitney call up. Whitney has 20 points (8 goals, 12 assists) in 19 games this season.

The Devils felt the full force of the waiver wire when Alexander Urbom was snatched off of waivers and dealt a huge blow to the Devils’ prospect pool.

Whitney is waiver exempt for this year due to it being his signing year with the Devils. In Lou We Trust used CapGeek’s Waiver Calculator and made a terrific table labeling how the waiver system works and every player that may or may not be waiver eligible.

Reid Boucher could also be another candidate to be called out as he is exempt for a whopping 3 years since he is only 20 years old. I still believe that Boucher could use the AHL time to his advantage at his age and Whitney has been NHL-ready for a couple of years now.

As I type this, Jon Merrill was recalled to fit that last roster spot in light of Martin Brodeur’s injury. That still doesn’t mean that Gionta won’t go on injured reserve (isn’t practicing today) or Josefson/Tedenby won’t be sent down.