Following the New Jersey Devils means keeping an eye on more than just the NHL roster.
The organization’s development system includes the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League and the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL, giving Devils fans two additional teams to follow as player prospects work toward the NHL.
The Utica Comets enter 2026-27 with renewed attention from the Devils after the organization made its AHL affiliate a priority. Adirondack Thunder, meanwhile, continues its affiliation with both New Jersey and Utica Comets for the 2026-27 season. Here’s what Devils fans need to know about both affiliates, the players to watch and the storylines heading into the season.
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Who are the Devils' affiliates?
The New Jersey Devils' minor-league system includes the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL.
Utica serves as New Jersey's AHL affiliate, while Adirondack is affiliated with both the Devils and Comets through the 2026-27 season.
That gives Devils fans two teams to follow beyond New Jersey, with Utica representing the organization's primary AHL development level and Adirondack providing another level of professional development in the ECHL.
Why should Devils fans care about Utica?
Utica is more than just the Devils' AHL affiliate. The organization claims they have made it a priority heading into 2026-27.
Sunny Mehta, the Devils GM, hired Braden Birch as an assistant general manager with responsibility for overseeing the Comets. Mehta said the Devils are treating their NHL and AHL rosters as one operation with a greater focus on player development.
This makes the Comets particularly important for Devils fans to follow this season: Utica is where several players who could eventually contribute in New Jersey will be developing, while the organization works to strengthen its pipeline from of the AHL to the NHL.
Who should Devils fans watch in Utica?
- Anton Silayev, D: The No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, Silayev is expected to make his North American professional debut this season. Whether he starts with New Jersey or Utica remains to be determined.
- Seamus Casey, D: Casey already has NHL experience, appearing in 16 games for New Jersey. He has also recorded 37 points in 59 career AHL games and was selected as an AHL All-Star in each of the past two seasons.
- Amadeus Lombardi, C: Acquired by New Jersey this offseason, Lombardi arrives after recording 42 points in 47 AHL games during the 2025-26 season.
- Ben Steeves, LW: Steeves gives Utica another intriguing offensive option after scoring 23 goals and 45 points for Charlotte last season. He was also selected as an AHL All-Star.
- Matyas Melovsky, C: Melovsky recorded 26 points in 55 games during his first AHL season and will be another young player to monitor as he continues his development.
What's happening with the Utica Comets right now?
The Utica Comets are entering 2026-27 with a significantly revamped roster.
Utica announced 10 new players have been signed or acquired via trade this offseason, a major increase from the previous two summers. Check out some of the new faces:
- Étienne Morin, D: 21-year-old defenseman acquired from Calgary.
- Eamon Powell, D: Former Boston College captain who played 23 AHL games last season.
- Jeremy Wilmer, LW: Recorded 41 points in 38 games during his final season at Quinnipiac
The playoff race: Utica finished the 2025-26 season just one point outside a playoff spot, making the upcoming season an important one for a team trying to turn its recent progress into a postseason appearance.
What's happening with Adirondack Thunder?
The Adirondack Thunder remain part of the Devils' development system for 2026-27 after agreeing to continue their affiliation with both New Jersey and Utica through the end of the season. Devils Assistant GM and Comets GM Braden Birch specifically pointed to Adirondack's developmental role as an important part of the relationship.
Roster construction: Adirondack is also beginning to build its 2026-27 roster, with several players from last season returning. Jacob Graves (D), for example, re-signed after recording 13 points and 205 penalty minutes in 66 games last season.
The development connection: For Devils fans, the Thunder are worth watching primarily for the players who could move between Adirondack and Utica as they develop.
What's coming up that New Jersey Devils Fans need to know?
The 2026-27 seasons are right around the corner, giving Devils fans several dates and storylines to watch.
Utica's opener: The Comets begin the regular season on the road against Providence on Friday, Oct. 2, before hosting the Rochester Americans for their home opener on Saturday, Oct. 10.
Adirondack's opener: The Thunder open their home schedule against the Trenton Ironhawks on Saturday, Oct. 17, as part of the ECHL's opening weekend.
The players to watch: The biggest Devils-related question in Utica will be where highly touted defenseman Anton Silayev (D) begins the season. The 2024 No. 10 overall pick is set to make his North American professional debut after three seasons in the KHL.
For Devils fans, the bigger question is whether the revamped Comets can turn last season's near-playoff finish into a postseason run while developing players who could eventually help New Jersey.
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