The New Jersey Devils don’t have a great farm system until you look at the individual level. That’s not a compliment. The Utica Comets, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, is the worst team in the North Division, and like the Devils, getting ready for a final stretch in a lost season.
That said, there are some standout prospects, specifically on the defense. That will come in handy for the Devils if they retool at the trade deadline. If Dougie Hamilton is moved or if the veterans who have battled injury all season, who gets the call? There are a few names to watch not just down the stretch but for the future as well.
Ethan Edwards
Ethan Edwards is a rookie in the AHL, but it’s worth noting that he took time to develop. He’s 23 and spent multiple seasons in the Western Hockey League (WHL) before joining the Comets. While he’s struggled defensively, he’s been great on the offensive end with nine goals this season.
The shot in particular stands out as he can wind back and fire the puck to the back of the net. It’s not an Evan Bouchard blast, but Edwards adds something few defensemen have. The key for him is rounding out his defensive play, which is still an issue for the young defenseman.
Edwards ironically does a lot of the things that the Devils already have on their defense. Luke Hughes is a two-way player, and Simon Nemec has the shot that can make a difference, something that was on display in the Olympics. It speaks to the team-building issues with the Devils, as they have too many players who check off the same boxes and don’t check all the boxes for a good defense. That said, Edwards can be another name to watch and might be a viable part of the blue line moving forward.
For More: Simon Nemec has the most to gain from Olympics experience
Calen Addison
For the naming names people, Calen Addison is a fun one. He had a great start to his career and looked like a key part of the Minnesota Wild defense, as one of the young blueliners. Then, he struggled and fell out of favor with the Wild and the San Jose Sharks, making the Devils his third team in his short career.
Yet, he’s only 25, and for defensemen, that’s when they start to hit their strides. Addison is putting together a strong season with the Comets and, ironically, is part of the veteran group. It’s helped him round out his game and become a key part of the unit. If the Devils need him to fill in, he can do just that.
Addison can also prove he’s an NHL-caliber defenseman again. The road back has been rough but with over 150 NHL games under his belt, he knows what it takes to get back. Maybe the Devils give him that shot late in the season. Maybe his play gets him a role on another team next season. Either way, he’s a Comet to keep in mind.
Related: Jack Hughes can realistically win Olympic MVP after two-goal performance
Topias Vilen
The interesting thing about Topias Vilen is that he’s not viewed as a prospect because he’s 23 and has been with the Comets for a few seasons. Yet, he’s a consistent part of the blue line and, in his third year, has started to stand out on both ends.
The path for Vilen requires a teardown from the Devils. That said, he’s a good skater and can play a heavier game as well. It’s why he can get a call-up, maybe not this season but possibly at the start of next season