Santini has not played in the last nine games and with the return of Mirco Mueller, Santini became their eighth defenseman. Santini has 10 points (2G / 8A) in 36 games with the Devils this season and will likely make his AHL season debut this weekend.

Santini was a healthy scratch for the last two games but will replace Ben Lovejoy in the lineup in Columbus. Santini will likely skate with Will Butcher and comes in with six points (1G / 5A) in 22 games this season.

Santini has been played well on the Devils’ top pairing but with the addition of Sami Vatanen on Thursday, Santini will be the first victim of a numbers game tonight. Vatanen will take his spot next to Andy Greene and brings a lot more offence so the table than Santini.

Santini, 21, has two goals and three assists in 13 games with the Devils this season. He was sent to Albany during the All-Star break, but returns after a strong showing before the break. The former second round pick hasn’t recorded a point in 15 games with Albany.

Santini, 21, made his NHL debut last season and will make his season debut tonight vs. the Bruins. The 2013 second round pick (42nd overall) has no points in 15 games with Albany this season. Expect him to skate on the right side of Jon Merrill.

Santina, 21, did not record a point in his first game with Albany this season. Santini was a second round pick (42nd overall) in 2013 and has a lot of offensive ability to bring to the Devils’ blueline.

Santini was expected to start the season on the Devils’ third pairing, but a late signing of Kyle Quincey will push him out of the lineup tonight. He has offensive potential, but likely won’t be given enough opportunity to make a fantasy impact this season.