New Jersey G Martin Brodeur taken off IR by Devils, Frazee returned to Albany of AHL

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils have activated goaltender Martin Brodeur off injured reserve.

The Devils announced the move Tuesday, hours before playing the New York Rangers.

Brodeur, the NHL's all-time winningest goaltender, has been sidelined since mid-February with a pinched nerve in his upper back and neck. He missed 12 games and practiced with the team on Monday for the first time since being hurt.

Brodeur, who had an 8-2-3 record before being hurt, dressed as the backup against New York as Johan Hedberg made his 13th straight start.

The Devils assigned goaltender Jeff Frazee to Albany of the AHL to make room for Brodeur on the roster.

New Jersey also announced it recalled left wing Tim Sestito from Albany. He was not in the lineup on Tuesday.