Devils Recall Forward from Utica Comets, What It Means

The New Jersey Devils recalled forward Brian Halonen from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Utica Comets, the team announced on Tuesday.

Halonen met the team up North this morning ahead of the Devils’ tilt against the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 7:30 puck drop at Scotiabank Arena.

Halonen (25) is in the midst of a strong season with the Comets, scoring 16 goals and 24 points in 30 games. This is the second recall for the Devils prospect forward this season.

Previously, Halonen started 2023-24 on season-opening injured reserve. The Delano, Minnesota native was activated just over two months later on Dec. 30th and reassigned to the AHL.

Halonen’s arrival to Toronto with New Jersey is almost certainly insurance for the Devils who skated shorthanded on Sunday against the New York Islanders. Both Curtis Lazar and Kurtis MacDermid suffered injuries during Saturday’s home game against the Ottawa Senators. Therefore, both were unavailable on Sunday on Long Island and interim head coach Travis Green was forced to skate 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

As a result, Halonen’s arrival indicates he could potentially play in his second NHL game in the 2023-24 season. Halonen made his 2023-24 debut on Feb. 25th against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He skated 9:47 and registered one shot on goal while on the fourth line.

Green explained both Lazar and MacDermid are “day-to-day.” Their respective injuries were not disclosed, although both are believed to be lower-body.

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