The New Jersey Devils have some intriguing young talent knocking on the NHL door, and the Utica Comets could give Devils fans an early look at what's coming next in 2026-27.

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Utica opens the AHL season against the Providence Bruins on Oct. 2 before hosting the Rochester Americans for its home opener Oct. 10.

With Devils training camp still underway, exactly where some of New Jersey's top prospects begin the season remains to be determined. Here are three names to know as the Comets prepare for 2026-27.

Anton Silayev, D

Few prospects in the Devils' system will command more attention than Anton Silayev.

New Jersey selected the 6-foot-7 defenseman No. 10 overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, and the 20-year-old is making the move to North America after three seasons with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod in the KHL.

Silayev had three points in 61 games last season, but his size, mobility and defensive ability are what make him one of New Jersey's top prospects.

Silayev is competing for an NHL job in training camp. If the Devils decide he needs time to adjust to the North American game, Utica could be his first stop.

Lenni Hämeenaho, F

Lenni Hämeenaho showed last season how quickly success in Utica can lead to an NHL opportunity.

The 2023 second-round pick had 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points in 37 games with the Comets during his first season in North America.

That performance helped Hämeenaho earn time with New Jersey, where he played 33 games and recorded eight points.

Hämeenaho will push for a more permanent NHL role in 2026-27, but if he returns to Utica, he'll immediately be one of the Comets' most notable young forwards.

Seamus Casey, D

Seamus Casey has already shown what he can do in the AHL.

The 22-year-old defenseman recorded 19 points in 29 games for Utica last season despite having his year limited by injury.

Casey now has 37 points in 59 career AHL games and has also appeared in 16 NHL games for New Jersey.

Like Silayev and Hämeenaho, Casey enters camp with an opportunity to earn an NHL role. If he's back with Utica, his puck-moving ability and offensive production from the blue line will make him one of the Comets' most important players to watch.

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