Utica Comets Offseason Tracker: Which Players Left in Free Agency?

The Utica Comets roster has quietly undergone multiple changes since their 2023-24 season concluded. Several long-time players, including Michael Vukojevic and Robbie Russo, have parted ways with the organization.

Below is a breakdown of which players have moved on from the Comets.

GOALTENDERS

In early May, Erik Kallgren, 27, left North America after his contract ended to return to his native Sweden. He signed a three-year contract with Brynäs IF of the Swedish Hockey League.

It is worth noting that on June 30, the Devils organization parted ways with Akira Schmid. The Swiss netminder was traded with Alexander Holtz to the Vegas Golden Knights after appearing in 84 career AHL games with Utica and 43 games in the NHL with the Devils.

DEFENSEMEN

The organization did not give a qualifying offer to defensemen Cal Foote or Vukojevic. Foote was one of the five players from Canada's 2018 World Junior who was charged with sexual assault. Vukojevic played for the organization since the 2020-21 season and remains a free agent at the time of publication.

As a free agent Tyler Wotherspoon signed with the Laval Rocket. He had four goals and 18 assists in 65 games last season with the Comets.

Utica lost part of its leadership group when Russo departed and signed with the Tuscon Roadrunners after serving as an alternate captain for the past two seasons.

FORWARDS

Most notably, the Devils traded their top goal scorer, Graeme Clarke, to the Minnesota Wild on June 21. The return was 23-year-old Adam Beckman, a restricted free agent who received a qualifying offer.

After one season with the Comets, Kyle Criscuolo signed with the Charlotte Checkers. He earned 42 points (16 goals, 26 assists) in 63 games this past season. Additionally, the son of Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald, Ryan Fitzgerald retired. 

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