Injuries are part of sports. For teams and fans, it can change the dynamic. The Devils already have been hit by the injury big early. Three players are already hurt. Two are key components for a team looking to move on from Ilya Kovalchuk. When GM Lou Lamoriello went out and spent on free agent wingers Ryane Clowe and Jaromir Jagr, it came with expectations. There also should have been a buyer beware sticker.

At 41, Jagr is likely entering his final year. The legendary forward is already on the shelf. After leaving a team practice with soreness, he hasn’t returned. In the Devils’ team skate, he didn’t practice with the first or second group. Considering his age, it isn’t a surprise. At the very least, the injury came before the season. Number 68 should take his time before coming back. Even now, he’s a top six forward who’ll play an important role. In the mean time, Patrik Elias and Michael Ryder lead a group that lacks consistent scoring. They’ll need bounce back seasons from center duo Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique.

Clowe was brought in to replace David Clarkson. A similar player who plays with grit, he left last night’s exhibition loss to the Islanders with a lower body injury. Given his recent injury history, that’s not a good sign. Not coincidentally, he missed practice. Clowe is a heart and soul type who Devil fans will love. A hard nosed player who brings physicality and a net presence, he’ll do anything to help his team win. Unfortunately, that style can be taxing. It’s led to concussions and miscellaneous injuries that have limited him. Signed for five years at a hefty $4.850 million cap average, the Devils need Clowe to stay healthy. Already they must be concerned.

The latest Devil to go down is Mattias Tedenby. The 23-year old Swede is entering a pivotal year. Having not lived up to expectations, he came into camp focused. Flashing the usual speed and some more muscle, he was pushing for a spot. Tedenby scored against the Rangers and was easily one of the best Devils. He suffered a leg injury during the team skate, leaving practice early.

On a day where the club made 21 cuts, the timing is crappy. Not that any of the 15 players assigned to Albany and six who were returned to their junior teams were in contention. Among the notables who will start in the AHL are Reid Boucher and Harri Pesonen. Boucher having the higher ceiling could be back depending on his first pro year. Anthony Brodeur was assigned to Gatineau of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Without Clowe, Jagr and Tedenby, the Devils still have Elias, Henrique, Zajac, Ryder, Dainius Zubrus, Ryan Carter, Steve Bernier and Stephen Gionta. That’s still a big drop off in talent. Other forwards in competition are Jacob Josefson, Rotislav Olesz, Andrei Loktionov, Stefan Matteau and Krys Barch. Assuming Damien Brunner makes it, that should definitely help.

On the blueline Eric Gelinas, Jon Merrill, Damon Severson and Alex Urbom all remain in contention. Gelinas has the best chance with two strong games thus far. He’s also more advanced. The Devils defense includes Andy Greene, Adam Larsson, Bryce Salvador, Marek Zidlicky, Mark Fayne, Anton Volchenkov and Peter Harrold. If they cut someone loose, it’ll probably be either Fayne or Volchenkov. Fayne would be easier since he’s signed for just this year and earns $1.3 million. A key part of the Devils’ 2012 playoff run, he could be a possible trade candidate. Defensemen are always in supply. Especially a player such as Fayne, who’s only 26 and has a few years under his belt. Volchenkov is signed through ’15-16 and makes $4.25 million per year. A much harder sell.

Of course, the club is more secure in net with Martin Brodeur and Cory Schneider forming a potent twosome. The question as it will be throughout is how Pete DeBoer handles the goalie situation. The Devils play a league high 22 back-to-backs. So, there will be plenty of work for each. At what point does Schneider overtake Brodeur? That remains to be seen.