2026-27 Prospects to Watch
Jul 6, 2026With free agency in full swing, the Utica Comets and New Jersey Devils have been hard at work as the two clubs work in tandem to revamp their respective rosters looking ahead to the 2026-27 season.
We've highlighted a handful of the Devils' top prospects who will likely spend time in Utica this season, but may at some point earn a full-time spot on the NHL roster.
Anton Silayev (D) – Silayev, 20, is among the Devils' most highly touted prospects heading into the upcoming season. The left shot defenseman stands at 6'7 and was taken in the first round (10th overall) by New Jersey in the 2024 NHL Draft. A Russia native, Silayev has spent the last three seasons in the KHL and is set to make his North American professional debut this fall after signing a three-year entry-level contract with the Devils on June 1st. He recorded a career-high 12 points (2g, 10a) in 63 games during the 2024-25 season with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod. The young defenseman has been lauded for his powerful stride and tremendous range defensively.
Amadeus Lombardi (F) – The 23-year-old center just wrapped up his third pro season, each of which was spent with the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL), finishing with a career-high 42 points (16g, 26a) in 47 games, while also recording three points in seven playoff games. Lombardi finished tied for fourth on the team in points and second in assists. The Newmarket, Ontario native tallied 161 points (63g, 98a) in 134 games over two seasons with the Flint Firebirds (OHL) prior to joining the pro ranks. He was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2022 NHL Draft and signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Devils after being acquired in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings. Devils' General Manager Sunny Mehta has spoken highly of Lombardi, known for his speed and play-making abilities, alluding to the possibility of his seeing time with the NHL squad this coming season.
Etienne Morin (D) – The 21-year-old left shot defenseman was acquired from the Calgary Flames as part of a trade that sent Devils' defenseman Simon Nemec to Calgary. Morin split the 2025-26 season, his rookie campaign, between the Calgary Wranglers (AHL) and Rapid City Rush (ECHL). The Quebec native appeared in 42 AHL games, registering a goal and six assists. He also tallied a goal and two assists in seven ECHL contests with the Rush. Morin tore it up while playing juniors, finishing third in the entire league among defensemen in 2024-25 as a member of the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL), racking up 58 points (14g, 44a) and a +38 rating over 62 games. Originally selected by the Calgary Flames in the second round (48th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft and entering the final year of his entry-level contract, Morin is known for both his physicality and his sharp-shooting abilities. At 6'1, 185 lbs, the young defenseman is expected to add grit and depth to the Comets' blue line.
Ben Steeves (F) – The 24-year-old winger was acquired in a trade which sent Comets' forward Angus Crookshank to the Florida Panthers' organization in late June and was subsequently signed to a one-year, two-way contract. Steeves spent the entire 2025-26 season, his second full professional campaign, with the Charlotte Checkers (AHL) and led the club with 23 goals and 45 points as well as nine power play goals. He also finished tied for second with two points in three playoff appearances this year. The Bedford, New Hampshire, native is undrafted and spent two seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he posted a combined 62 points (45g, 17a) in 72 games. Steeves, having been a part of the Panthers' organization, is a player who is no stranger to Devils' General Manager Sunny Mehta and Devils' Assistant General Manager/Comets' General Manager Braden Birch and is expected to augment the Comets' forward group. Ben is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Alex, who has suited up in 57 NHL contests since turning pro in 2021.
Matyas Melovsky (F) – The Devils are excited about and invested in Melovsky as evidenced by his signing a two-year NHL contract this past March. The Czechia native was sidelined for a couple months during his rookie campaign, but proved to be a reliable centerman while recording 26 points (10g, 16a) in 55 games. He also earned the trust of the coaching staff and saw valuable time on the Comets' top power play unit, finishing tied for the team lead with five tallies on the man advantage. The 22-year-old had a very strong finish to the season, racking up seven points (4g, 3a) ovrer the final seven games. Melovsky is a skilled playmaker and reliable two-way forward who is likely to see time in the NHL at some point in the future.
Ethan Edwards (D) -- Edwards, 24, led the Comets in games played, suiting up in all but three of the 72 contests this past season as a rookie. The left shot defenseman showcased his scoring ability, leading the D-corps with 10 goals and two game-winning goals on the year, while also finishing third among Comets defensemen with 23 points. The Grande Prairie, Alberta, native is entering the final year of his entry-level contract and is expected to log big minutes again for Comets' Head Coach Ryan Parent this season as he looks to make his case for a future full-time spot in the NHL.