New Jersey Devils Prospect Update: Comets Win Opener and Other Prospect News

NEWARK, NJ - SEPTEMBER 20: Ryan Schmelzer #49 of the New Jersey Devils celebrates with Ben Steeves #37 and Cam Squires #75 after scoring a goal during a game between the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on September 20, 2026 in Newark, New Jersey.(Photo by Andrew Mordzyn

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What is the story about?

It’s good to start things off right. It’s been a long time since that’s been said about the Comets. How long?

It’s only one game, but it feels like a new era under GMs Sunny Mehta and Braden Birch.

After getting shutout last season in the opener, the newly-structured Comets nearly earned a goose egg of their own to start

the year, but held on to the 2-1 win thanks to a great goaltending by David Rittich and a slick feed by Matyas Melovsky to Ben Steeves.

It’s good to see Melovsky start off right after an excellent camp as he flip shot passes the feed to Ben Steeves for his first as a Comet. Speaking of firsts, newly-acquired winger Gabe Klassen opened up the scoring for Utica.

Rittich would stop 20 of 21 shots and earn first star honors. The Comets don’t play again until October 10th and 11th. I would expect Rittich and Malek to split those contests.

Around the Pool:

On the subject of great goaltending, Boston University star Mikhail Yegorov has gotten off to a great start.

More to the point, can anyone stop Daniil Rusakovich?

Winger Ben Kevan earned an assist in the Arizona State Sun Devils first game of the season after the University put head coach Greg Powers on leave. Kevan had only 10 points in 34 games as a freshman last season, but has started the season in the Top 6 this year. In the 2nd game of the season, Kevan scored this beauty.

Center Mason Moe scored his first goal of the NCAA season.

Defenseman Seamus Casey is expected to miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing his second knee surgery of his young career.

Center Quinn McKenzie is off to a great start with 6 points in his first 5 games after being named an alternate captain of the Soo Greyhounds. McKenzie, the Devils 7th round (222nd overall) pick in this summer’s draft, put up 51 points in 65 games for Soo last season.

Alexander Command played three games for Orebro HK before joining their U20 team. Since the relocation, Command has been dominant with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists) in only 4 games. This move allows Command to continue developing in his natural position as a center. Command was playing wing in Orebro HK’s opener.