COMETS CHECK-IN: Colton White Provides Insight Into Defensive Partner Seamus Casey

In this exclusive interview, Utica Comets defenseman Colton White spoke to The Hockey News to provide insight into Seamus Casey's AHL play.

Time might have passed, and the crest on the jersey might have changed, but Seamus Casey is the same poised, smooth-skating defenseman that New Jersey Devils fans saw on Oct. 19 against the Washington Capitals.

Since being re-assigned to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League on Oct. 21, the young defenseman has offensively flourished. He has nine points (one goal, eight assists) in seven games and earned at least a point in each AHL game.

Since making his Comets debut, Casey has been part of the team's first defensive pair with veteran Colton White.

In his return to the Comets, ex-head coach Kevin Dineen made White an alternate captain for the season. He has played 349 career NHL games, including 265 in the AHL. He is no stranger to playing with up-and-coming defensemen, and last season with the San Diego Gulls played with Olen Zellweger.

After The Comets' 3-2 overtime loss to the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Saturday, the 27-year-old shared what initially stood out about his new defensive partner.

"His vision," White said to The Hockey News. "He always knows where to find guys. Always in the right spot and supporting you. His hockey smarts and vision are for sure (noticeable).

Against the Phantoms, the pair was on the ice for two of the Comets' three goals, each earning an assist.

"(Casey) is very smart," White continued. "It seems he has the puck the whole game. He can generate offense on his own, so it is nice to play with him, support him, and all that."

It will not be surprising to hear the 20-year-old is flourishing offensively, as fans have come to expect it. But where has he made strides in his defensive game these past few weeks?

"He has been more positionally sound and does not get beat often out of the corners," White said. "His box-outs have greatly improved because he engages early and is being more aggressive."

According to the veteran, it is only a matter of time before Devils fans see Casey back on the ice in Newark.

"He is an elite player. I don't know that he will be in the American League for long."

While the Comets are still looking for their first win of the season, Casey has helped the team earn three points over their last three games. While the youngster is working towards helping his team to their first win of 2024-25, White will continue to lead by example and assist Casey in rounding out his game.

"I am just helping him work on the defensive side of things," he continued. "To help him get there, succeed in the NHL, and stay there."

Casey and White will look to continue their strong play on Monday evening when the Comets host the Cleveland Monsters at 5:00 P.M. EST.

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