Last week we took a look at the forwards. This week we project the defense pairings for the Devils AHL affiliate.
Two caveats. First, for purposes of this exercise, I will assume Declan Chisholm earns a spot on the New Jersey Devils roster even though he should face fierce competition. As some people have immoderately strong opinions about this sort of thing, consider this your trigger warning if this assumption upsets you. Second, defensive pairings in the AHL tend to fluctuate quite a bit, especially
on the Comets if last season is any guide, often from game to game on back to back nights. So, take this article with a mountain of salt. It’s purpose is not to plot out a highly-accurate lineup in the middle of August, but rather to give a general overview of the team’s depth, and to help us all get through the doldrums of a hockey-less summer.
That aside, let’s dive in.
Top Pair – Anton Silayev and Seamus Casey
While I believe Anton Silayev will play significant games for the Devils this season, I am going to assume for purposes of this exercise that the big Russian at least starts the season adjusting to the North American game in Utica. The 20-year-old defenseman would benefit most by playing big minutes and, if that’s not possible on the Devils with a healthy defense core, then where better to earn that ice time than on Utica’s top pairing?
Silayev’s size, strength, and gap control pairs well with the offensive-minded Seamus Casey. Injuries have hampered Casey’s development the past two seasons, limiting him to only 29 contests in 2025-26, but the 22-year-old still has a chance at a long NHL career if he can stay on the ice.
2nd Pair – Vladislav Kolyachonak /Mikael Diotte
Recently-signed Vladislav Kolyachonak has been bouncing between the NHL and AHL since suiting up for the Coyotes in 2021-22. The 25-year-old former 2nd rounder could challenge for a spot on the Devils in camp, but for now, I will slot him here. Though not flashy, Kolyachonok has a strong transition game, plays the body, and does a lot of things one would want out of a bottom pairing defenseman in the NHL even if his offense is limited. Last season, Kolyachonak put up 9 points in 34 games for the Texas Stars and another 3 points in 13 NHL games split between the Bruins and Stars.
After injuries derailed Mikael Diotte’s rookie campaign, the 6’3” defender rebounded in a big way last season, even playing top-pairing minutes at times on the right side. Diotte should play a big role for the Comets again this season, hoping to build off his 8 points in 53 games and find some of the offensive magic from his time with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL.
3rd Pair – Topias Vilen / Ethan Edwards
That I am slotting these two prospects on the 3rd pairing says more about the depth that has been added to the Comets blueline then about them. Topias Vilen earned the Utica Comets Team Award for Best Defenseman last season and the Most-Improved Award the season before that. Vilen’s trajectory has been strong, finishing with 27 points in 61 games, good enough for 2nd on the Comet’s blueline and earning him a couple of games with the Devils last year. At 23-years-old, this should be a breakout year for Vilen, who may have to bide his time with the volume of left-handed defenseman ahead of him.
Ethan Edwards slots in off-hand due to the glut of left-handed defensemen on the Comets roster. Though rare, Edwards played on the right side at times last season, so this should not be too controversial. The 24-year-old is coming off a strong 10 goal, 23 point campaign, but is sliding down the depth chart with the recent additions.
I fully expect both defenders to play bigger minutes than this exercise suggests, but for now, I put them here.
Other Considerations
Etienne Morin was brought in as part of the Simon Nemec trade. The 6’1” 21-year-old left-handed defender split his rookie professional campaign last season between the Calgary Wranglers (7 points in 42 games) and the Rapid City Rush of the ECHL (3 points in 7 games). Morin should play significant games for the Comets this season, but it’s hard to slot him ahead of the other prospects on a fully-healthy roster.
Another sophomore in the league, Eamon Powell signed an AHL deal with the Comets this off-season. The right-handed Powell split time between the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL (7 points in 23 games) and the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL (3 points in 4 games) after missing significant time due to a broken jaw. As a right-handed defenseman, Powell should see plenty of action with Utica this year.
The Comets also recently signed 6’3” left-handed defender D.J. King to a two-way AHL contract. The 25 year-old King has played mostly in the ECHL in his professional career, but did suit up for 18 games last year split between the Hershey Bears and the Iowa Wild. Another left hander, Jeremy Hanzel, who came to the Devils as part of the Erik Haula trade, led the Adirondack Thunder’s blueline (and finished 2nd on the team) with 49 points in 72 games last season. The 23-year-old is due for an extended opportunity in the AHL.
Lastly, Elite Prospects has finally confirmed Charlie Leddy’s AHL contract. Even with the deal, Leddy, if not signed to an ELC, will become an unrestricted free agent on August 15th and could still sign with any NHL team as AHL contracts do not hold a player’s rights under the rules. See Puckpedia’s very good explanation here for more details. Leddy finished his collegiate career last season as an alternate captain for Quinnipiac and should play sound defense-first minutes wherever he ends up.
Overall, the Comets blueline is very well stacked, especially on the left side. The Devils might want another recall option on the right, especially given Seamus Casey’s injury history, but that’s a debate for another time. Alternatively, Utica could sign one more RHD to a two-way (AHL-ECHL) contract for depth in case the worst happens. Either way, the Comets, who were actually pretty good defensively last season, have gotten even stronger on the back end over the summer and should have enough muscle to weather the storm even if they lose a few guys throughout the year to injuries or call-ups.
Your Take
Tell us what you think. Post your reasonable comments below.
