Here at The Hockey News, we are excited to announce that we will further explore and expand our coverage of the New Jersey Devils' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utica Comets for the 2025-26 season.
A lot has happened since their season concluded, including roster and coaching staff changes. Let's break down the latest surrounding the Comets.
Key Offseason Transactions
DEPARTURES: Shane Bowers (F), Filip Engaras (F), Nolan Foote (F), Santeri Hatakka (D), Samuel Laberge (F), Isaac Poulter (G).
ARRIVALS: Calen Addison (D), Thomas Bordeleau (F), Angus Crookshank (F), Jeremy Hanzel (D), and Jakub Malek (G).
RE-SIGNED: Dennis Cholowski (D), Nathan Légaré (F), and Marc McLaughlin (F).
- Forward Lenni Hameenaho will begin his three-year, entry-level contract in 2025-26. Additionally, winger Shane Lachance's two-year, entry-level contract will start this season. Both will look to compete for a spot on New Jersey's roster in training camp, but will likely be part of the Comets' opening night roster.
- Hanzel was acquired in the trade that sent Erik Haula to the Nashville Predators. Last season, in his first pro year, he spent the majority of time in the ECHL playing for the Atlanta Gladiators. Time will tell if he spends time with the Comets or Adirondack Thunder (ECHL).
Interim Tag Removed, Ryan Parent Gets The Nod
In late June, the Devils officially named Ryan Parent the Comets' head coach for the 2025-26 season.
"(I am) really excited," Parent said of his new title. "We had an opportunity to bring on some new staff members as well. As much as (development camp) was meeting the new kids, we are meeting our staff for next season and getting familiar with each other. It is something that we are all looking forward to."
The additional staff includes Mark Voakes, who has been promoted to assistant coach, and Matt Carkner, who joined the organization as an assistant coach. The staff is rounded out by returning goaltending coach Brian Eklund.
Parent coached the Comets to a 31-33-6-2 record after taking over on Nov. 6, replacing Kevin Dineen.
"It is great that he is becoming the head coach," alternate captain Colton White told The Hockey News. "He had a great run last year when he took over. His communication and teachings are really remarkable. We were able to play a more direct and consistent game with him, and really clawed our way back. For him to have a full runway and start the season with the team will be a huge advantage to establish the habits and culture we need to keep getting better and grow in the right direction."
"I am super excited," defenseman Ethan Edwards said of continuing to work with Parent. "Ryan is a great guy, and in my little time with him, I have learned a lot. Excited to keep that going."
2025-26 Schedule Released
The Comets will kick off the 2025-26 season on Oct. 10 at the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium against the Cleveland Monsters.
The full schedule was released on Thursday afternoon and can be viewed here.
Replacing Top Talent
Foote was one of the more recognizable Comet players for fans in New Jersey as he appeared in 30 games for the Devils over the past five seasons. New Jersey chose not to extend a qualifying offer to the 24-year-old restricted free agent on June 30. The Colorado native signed with the Florida Panthers the following day.
Last season, Foote had the third-most points in Utica with 39 (18 goals, 21 assists). He spent the majority of time serving as the Comets' first or second line left wing, minus a blip in January where he was demoted to the fourth line.
Foote's departure to South Florida has opened the door for another player to take the next step in their development.
"There is always a second-year player who is moving into his third year (and so on)," Parent said of replacing top producers. "There are those guys, or it might be a rookie who is coming in and will make a good impression, and take that step.
"Whether a guy goes up to New Jersey or gets an opportunity on another team, we feel like we were part of that development a little bit," he continued. "It is rewarding. The guys that move on, we wish them all the best. They are players that we will continue to follow and watch their careers grow as well."
One player who could take that step is 24-year-old Dylan Wendt, who just completed his first professional season, spending time with both the Comets and Thunder.
"He is a gifted offensive player," Parent said. "He is one of the guys that when I talk about having a strong second year, I think he is going to be a really motivated player and somebody that we are looking forward to seeing how he comes into training camp."
One Observation
When Parent fielded questions from reporters on the final day of the Devils' 2025 Development Camp, he was asked about his roster's turnover and what it is shaping up to look like for 2025-26.
His response showcased exactly why players are eager to play for him.
"Whether they are with us or in New Jersey, that is something that we don't really like to talk a whole bunch about," he explained. "They are at home right now working hard to make an impact and make an impression in New Jersey. What we want to do is do the best we can to support them. Help them out as much as we can to make this team."
It is clear Parent wants his players to do well and push them to become the best version of themselves on the ice.
Things are shaping up for the Comets to have a healthy blend of eager rookies and motivated veterans to fill out their lineup. Exciting youngsters like Cam Squires and Edwards got their first taste of the AHL and are preparing for their first full season pro. As NHL.com correspondent, Mike Morreale reported, the Devils anticipate prospect Anton Silayev will join the club in the spring of 2026.
Despite a difficult 2024-25 season, there are plenty of reasons to be excited when the Comets' season opens in October.
"Once the rosters are set, I know with the group of players that we have organizationally, we are going to be happy," he continued. "We are going to be a motivated group next year with our team, whoever it may be."
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