With new management, the Comets are making moves this off-season. So, with the summer rolling onward, let’s take a way too early look at their potential opening night lineup for 2026-27.
Before we start, a few rules. For this exercise, I assumed Amadeus Lombardi makes the Devils out of camp. While far from a guarantee, I think this is a likely scenario given GM Sunny Mehta’s comments. I also declined to project, despite the definite possibility, the waiver down to Utica of any longtime NHLer, who
hasn’t already seen considerable AHL time in recent years. While there’s nothing precluding such a move and it happens often in this competitive league, it’s not something I feel comfortable projecting with any certainty this early before camp. Those caveats aside, let’s dive in.
Top Line – Riley Tufte, Colin White, Lenni Hameenaho
This should be an offensive juggernaut of a line in the AHL. While it’s certainly possible any of these players make the Devils out of camp, my assumption is that all three start the season in Utica. Tufte was dominant in the AHL last year, scoring 32 goals (3rd in the league) and has scored at least 20 goals the past three seasons while losing AHL games to call-ups to the Avalanche and Bruins. Recently-signed 29-year-old Colin White put up 48 points in 46 games for the San Jose Barracuda last year and has played in over 300 NHL games over his career.
Both of these players provide a veteran foundation for 21-year-old Lenni Hameenaho to flourish. Hameenaho split time between the AHL and the Devils in 2025-26, and, with proper nurturing, is poised for a big year of growth. Having two quality linemates in Tufte and White should help him accomplish that.
2nd Line – Xavier Parent, Matyas Melovsky, Ben Steeves
Parent led the Comets in scoring last season with 39 points in 63 games. Recently-acquired Ben Steeves fared slightly better with 45 points in 72 contests for the Charlotte Checkers. Fresh off a strong rookie campaign, Matyas Melovsky is expected to take the next step in 2026-27. Slotting him here gives him that opportunity.
Overall, this line gives me flashbacks of last year’s Comets (just swap Steeves for Crookshank), but this is a potential 2nd line now, not the top offensive unit it would have been last season. That’s a significant upgrade.
3rd Line – Shane Lachance, Marc McLaughlin, Gabe Klassen
Shane Lachance completed his rookie AHL campaign with a respectable 10 goals and 15 assists, one less point than Melovsky. The 3rd line with PP netmouth time seems about right for Lachance’s skillset, but I could also see the 6’5” winger playing higher in the lineup.
Marc McLaughlin suited up for 7 games without a point for the Devils last season, but played well in the AHL, chipping in 14 points in 23 contests skating all around the lineup. The 27-year-old veteran slots in nicely here as the 3C, but could be moved to wing.
Another recent addition, versatile forward Gabe Klassen could also play center. Though only signed to an AHL deal, Klassen put up 36 points in 59 games for Wilkes-Barre last season after a strong rookie campaign in the ECHL for the Wheeling Nailers. Klassen seems seems like a perfect fit for 3rd line duties, but could be shifted down if either Jeremy Wilmer and/or Cam Squires seizes an opportunity. More on them below.
4th Line – Jeremy Wilmer, Ryan Schmelzer, Cam Squires
Here’s where things get murky. Jeremy Wilmer is a bit of a wildcard. Signed to an AHL contract after a season-ending injury in Quinnipiac, Wilmer has been a dominant force the past two NCAA seasons, amassing 54 points in 53 games. How the smaller-statured LW will adjust to the AHL, especially after a serious injury, is an unknown. Will the 5’8”, 165 pound Wilmer start in the ECHL or in the Top 9 for the Comets? Either scenario is plausible. For now, I’ll slot him on the 4th line for the sake of this exercise even if it may not be the best spot for his skillset.
For 4C, it’s hard to envision longtime captain Ryan Schmelzer not earning a regular spot in the lineup. Schmelzer has been with the Devils affiliates since suiting up for the Binghamton Devils in 2018-19. Last season was a tough one for the 33-year-old AHL vet, scoring only 4 goals, but 23 assists kept his point totals relevant. Schmelzer will play somewhere in the Comets bottom 6 and could be swapped with McLaughlin. For now, I put him here.
With a strong camp, Cam Squires could push for a spot higher in the lineup, even in Utica’s Top 6, but hasn’t shown enough yet for me to slot him there right now. The 6’1” winger showed flashes at times last season, especially after a recall from Adirondack, and is still only 21-years-old. This could be a big year for Squires, but for now, I have him starting on the 4th line.
A few other players deserve a mention. Center/Winger Jack Malone suited up for 45 games with the Comets last season and will likely play a defensive role again this year. Newly-acquired veteran Cleveland Monsters winger Justin Pearson should also see significant playing time after a respectable 12 goal, 25 point campaign. Lastly, will this be the season Josh Filmon puts it together consistently at the AHL level? It’s been a rough start to Filmon’s pro career and this is the last year of his ELC. So, it’s make or break time for the young winger in this organization.
A few other players are also in the mix, but played mostly in the ECHL last season, including new additions Tristan Ashbrook and Christophe Tellier. Lastly, Zach Gallant will face tough competition for a spot after netting a goal and four assists for Wilkes-Barre in 39 games last season.
A Conclusion of Sorts
While there is vibrant competition in Utica for ice time, the Devils currently have only 43 players under contract out of their 50 allotted slots. Adding another forward who could be called up in an emergency would strengthen Utica’s middle six and give some insurance to the injury-prone Devils, while allowing GM Sunny Mehta to remain flexible in case players need to be added mid-season.
There is the AHL veteran’s rule to consider. Here it is courtesy of Soundofhockey.com.
Development players: Skaters who are under 25 as of July 1 or have played 260 or fewer qualifying professional games. Veteran players: Skaters who are at least 25 as of July 1 and have played more than 260 qualifying professional games. Teams must dress at least 12 development players and no more than six veterans. Goaltenders are excluded. The rule applies to the gameday lineup, not the full roster.
The qualification is determined before the season and is not adjusted, so players such as Xavier Parent and Marc McLaughlin will remain in the developmental classification for the full season even after their career 260 game threshold is passed.
Forwards Riley Tufte, Colin White, and Ryan Schmelzer classify as AHL veterans. On the defensive side, Declan Chisholm and Vladislav Kolyachonok would classify as veterans if they are not on the New Jersey Devils to start the season. Either way, the Comets should not have an issue complying with this rule even if another veteran is added to the roster.
Tell us what you think. Any lineup adjustments you’d like to see? Post your comments below.
