Devils Revamp Utica Comets Roster with Promising Prospects

In a bold move to reshape the Utica Comets, Devils GM Sunny Mehta and Comets GM Braden Birch are making significant changes to the AHL franchise. With a clear focus on revitalizing the roster, the early summer has seen a flurry of player transactions.

Among the notable departures, Angus Crookshank, who led Utica in goals last season, was traded to the Florida Panthers as part of the Jacob Markstrom deal. Additionally, defenseman Calen Addison and forward Dylan Wendt did not receive qualifying offers and have entered free agency. While UFA forwards Jonathan Gruden, Nathan Legare, and Mike Hardman have also not been retained, the possibility remains for their return. On a more positive note, free agent center Ryan Schmelzer has signed a one-year AHL contract, a move reported by the Comets website but not yet confirmed on Puckpedia. Meanwhile, forward Jack Malone and goaltender Jeremy Brodeur have secured new AHL deals, and RFA goaltender Jakub Malek inked a two-year, two-way extension.

One of the new faces on the roster is Ben Steeves, acquired in the Markstrom trade. The 23-year-old winger was a standout for the Charlotte Checkers last season, netting 23 goals and accumulating 45 points in 72 games, making him a strong candidate to fill Crookshank’s scoring void. Steeves has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Devils, positioning him for a potential call-up to New Jersey during the season.

The offseason has been marked by a series of trades and signings that bring in players eager to prove themselves at the NHL level while potentially spending time in Utica. Amadeus Lombardi, a versatile 23-year-old center who can also play wing, is looking to make his mark after nearly achieving a point-per-game average with the Grand Rapids Griffins over the past two seasons. Mehta highlighted Lombardi’s potential at his press conference, referring to him as not just “depth” but a “bet” on a player ready to advance to the next level.

Riley Tufte, a 28-year-old winger standing at 6’6”, has also been added to the roster. Known for his goal-scoring prowess, Tufte finished tied for third in the AHL last season with 32 goals in just 64 games. His imposing presence and scoring ability will complement Lombardi and make him an intriguing player to watch during training camp.

Competing for a roster spot alongside Tufte is left-handed defenseman Vladislav Kolyachanok. At 25 years old and 6’1”, Kolyachanok is a puck mover who has garnered attention for his analytical performance at the NHL level. His journey has taken him through several teams, including the Coyotes, Penguins, Stars, and Bruins, making him a player to monitor as he vies for a position on the Comets’ blue line.

Additional signings to AHL contracts include Jeremy Wilmer, who completed his collegiate career at Quinnipiac and posted 41 points in 38 games despite a season-ending injury his senior year. Gabe Klassen, a center/winger, contributed 17 goals and 36 points in 59 games for the Wilkes-Barre Penguins last season, while Zach Gallant, a former Red Wings third-round pick, brings his physical play to the team after time spent in both the AHL and ECHL.

The Comets have also added 24-year-old Eamon Powell, a defender known for his aggressive style and solid edgework, who previously played for the Charlotte Checkers after being drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning. In goal, Seth Eisele joins the ranks after a strong season in the ECHL, boasting an 18-7-1 record and a .919 save percentage with the South Carolina Stingrays. His addition will create competition with the recently re-signed Jeremy Brodeur for playing time between Utica and Adirondack.

The overarching theme of these roster moves appears to focus on targeting players who excelled at lower levels and may be on the cusp of breaking through, whether they’re established AHL stars or promising ECHL and NCAA talents. This fresh approach marks a departure from the mediocrity that has plagued Utica in recent years, and fans will be eager to see how it unfolds.

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