Utica Comets Revamp Roster with Strategic Moves This Offseason

The Utica Comets are in the midst of a significant transformation this offseason, driven by a renewed focus from the New Jersey Devils organization. Under the leadership of general manager Sunny Mehta, the Comets have become a priority for the Devils, marking a shift in strategy aimed at enhancing both on-ice performance and player development.

Mehta’s first major move was the decision not to renew the contract of former Comets general manager Dan MacKinnon, swiftly replacing him with Braden Birch. During a media availability on July 2nd, Mehta emphasized the importance of the AHL affiliate, stating, “When I got here and talked it through, even with ownership, David Blitzer and I talked about what are some of the things we really want to focus on. He himself brought up Utica also. That needs to be something that we make more of a priority.”

This commitment to the Comets reflects a broader strategy that integrates the NHL and AHL rosters. “As much as we used this sort of decision-making process that I talk about to focus intently on our decisions at the NHL, we really have done the same thing at the AHL,” Mehta added, indicating that the two teams will operate under a unified approach.

The roster for the 2025–26 Comets has seen significant changes in recent days, with several players joining the team and others departing. Among the new additions, Jeremy Wilmer has signed a one-year AHL contract, while Amadeus Lombardi has committed to a two-year, two-way agreement. Additionally, Ben Steeves has re-signed for a year, and Riley Tufte has joined on a one-year, one-way contract. Gabe Klassen and Zach Gallant have also signed AHL contracts to bolster the roster.

Returning players include Ryan Schmelzer, who has signed an AHL contract, and Xavier Parent and Marc McLaughlin, both of whom have re-signed one-year, two-way contracts. Jack Malone is another addition to the returning roster, having signed an AHL contract.

However, the Comets have also seen notable departures. Angus Crookshank has been traded to the Florida Panthers alongside Jacob Markstrom, while Brian Halonen has signed a two-year, two-way deal with the Boston Bruins. Other players, including Dylan Wendt, Mike Hardman, and Jonathan Gruden, will not be returning. The team also acquired Etienne Morin from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Simon Nemec.

As the offseason progresses, the Comets continue to refine their roster. Several players, including Colton White, Dennis Cholowski, and Austin Strand, have found new homes, while some players have not received qualifying offers. The team is also looking forward to the upcoming season, with their home opener scheduled for October 10 at the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.