Forward Mason Geertsen has been claimed off of waivers by the New Jersey Devils, less than two days after making his preseason debut against the very same Devils.  Geertsen, a former 4th round pick of the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, has yet to play an NHL game, but looks a good chance to do so this year now that he’s been claimed.

Signed to an AHL contract, Geertsen was awarded an NHL contract last March by the Rangers, as they looked to convert him from a defensemen to a forward.  Geertsen’s primarily role would have been as an enforcer, a role that the Rangers sought after feeling they lacked the muscle to compete with Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals.

The move is a little curious, as the Devils will be now be forced to retain the unproven Geertsen on their roster for the season.