After a largely magical season last year, the Utica Comets were eliminated in their first postseason series since 2016-17 when the team was still in Albany. The Devils’ AHL affiliate posted the fourth best points-percentage mark in the AHL in their first season in Utica. The 43-20-8-1 record was one of the best marks a Devils’ AHL affiliate has posted in organization history and also featured the largest win streak to begin an AHL season at 13. An immensely success, albeit with a disappointing ending, season for Kevin Dineen and staff.
This year, especially the forward group, the team will look much different. Several players either signed elsewhere, or will begin the season with the big club in New Jersey. The staff, however, will largely stay the same. Kevin Dineen returns as head coach with Ryan Parent as one of his assists. However, with Sergei Brylin headed to New Jersey, Andrew Brewer replaces him behind the bench.
The Forwards
Returning: Nolan Foote, Graeme Clarke, Joseph Gambardella, Ryan Schmelzer, Aarne Talvitie, Brian Halonen, Samuel Laberge
Additions: Andreas Johnsson (NJD), Mason Geertsen (NJD), Zach Senyshyn (AHL/NHL), Brian Pinho (AHL/NHL), Jack Dugan (AHL), Nolan Stevens (AHL/ECHL), Nick Hutchinson (AHL/ECHL), Xavier Parent (QMJHL)
Subtractions: Fabian Zetterlund (NJD), Alexander Holtz (NJD), Chase De Leo, A.J. Greer, Frederik Gauthier, Brian Flynn, Tyler Irvine, Patrick McGrath
Analysis: Of the three positional squads, the forward group is by far experiencing the most turnover. Four of the team’s top-five scorers from the previous year will not be with the team. Although, Zetterlund and Holtz are still with the organization. The only one of those five returning, is Reilly Walsh, a defenseman, who was fifth in team scoring.
Andreas Johnsson, who is slated to begin the season with Utica, should be a big boost to the offense. His stint with the Devils have not nearly been as bad as some made it out to be. Johnsson should be able to serve as a very effective, veteran presence for a Comets team that will desperately need it.
Last season, the Comets scored the fourth-most goals in the AHL. To have a similar type of season as as last year the newcomers will need to step up. Zach Senyshyn (34 points in 67 games played), Brian Pinho (29 points in 37 games played), Jack Dugan (18 points in 35 games played), and Nolan Stevens (19 points in 53 games played) all had extensive AHL experience with their old teams last year.
Graeme Clarke (30 points in 52 games played), who had a disappointing AHL season last year, will look to build on his strong preseason with the Devils and hopefully have a huge season. Nolan Foote (32 points in 55 games played), another prospect in the top half of the Devils’ system who struggled offensively last season, will need to have a big year to help Utica have a strong season.
The captain, Ryan Schmelzer (32 points in 64 games played), will once again serve a very important role. Returners Aarne Talvitie (24 points in 68 games played) and Brian Halonen will also have large roles.
Xavier Parent, who had 106 points in 65 QMJHL games last season, is a very intriguing name to watch. And tough-guys Mason Geertsen and Samuel Laberge will surely figure in as well.
Note, Tyce Thompson is likely to figure into the plans as well. He is currently on the injured reserve with New Jersey.
The Defensemen
Returning: Tyler Wotherspoon, Robbie Russo, Reilly Walsh, Nikita Okhotiuk, Michael Vukojevic, Jeremy Groleau
Additions: Simon Nemec (Draft – 2nd overall), Dylan Blujus (AHL/ECHL)
Subtractions: Kevin Bahl (NHL), Colton White
Analysis: Utica’s strength will be on a relatively untouched backend as well as the team’s goaltending duo. The defensive core will be led by a pair of veterans in Robbie Russo and Tyler Wotherspoon. Reilly Walsh, one of the stronger defensive prospects in the Devils’ system, will look to build on his outstanding 2021-22 campaign.
Meanwhile, youngsters Nikita Okhotiuk, who had a very nice AHL season last year and almost made the big club, as well as Michael Vukojevic, will figure into the picture as well. Another youngster, this past draft’s second-overall pick, Simon Nemec, will be one of the main reasons why several will keep such a close eye on Utica this season.
Dylan Blujus, who has 338 AHL games under his belt, was brought in as depth to lessen the blow of losing Colton White (who spent a lot of the season on the taxi squad, but had played 196 games for the Devils’ AHL affiliates) and Kevin Bahl, who made the big club.
Goaltenders
Returning: Nico Daws, Akira Schmid
Additions: none
Subtractions: Mareks Mitens (ECHL, Devils’ organization)
Analysis: Luckily, Utica will be returning arguably the best goaltending duo in the AHL, based off last season’s performances. Both Nico Daws (.916 save percentage) and Akira Schmid (.911 save percentage) are expected to form a very strong pairing behind a good defensive core.
Each had stints in the NHL last season, each of them went poorly. It will be interesting to see how they fair behind a much different team.
Mareks Mitens appeared in 17 AHL games and 18 ECHL games for the organization last year. He will serve as insurance in the event if one of Daws or Schmid goes down. Or if one of either has to be called up to the NHL.
Final Thoughts
As mentioned above, there was a lot of turnover featuring the team’s forward group. That is a lot of production to replace for a team that was one of the strongest offensively last season. When you lose the likes of Chase De Leo (56 points in 55 games played) and A.J. Greer (52 points in 53 games played), each established AHL veterans, that is hard to replace.
Though, Utica has a strong defensive group and goaltending duo which they will need to lean heavily on if they want to qualify for the playoffs for the second time since 2016. If they are able to accomplish such a feat, it would be only the second time in the last seven years.
Important Players to Watch:
- F, Nolan Foote
- F, Graeme Clarke
- F, Andreas Johnsson
- F, Tyce Thompson (once sent down)
- F, Xavier Parent
- D, Simon Nemec
- D, Reilly Walsh
- D, Nikita Okhotiuk
- G, Nico Daws
- G, Akira Schmid
Coverage: We will have Utica updates on our page throughout the year. For coverage regarding both Comets and the Devils, please stay tuned to our social media pages this season.