The New Jersey Devils announced a significant roster change involving forward Brian Halonen. As part of a strategy to strengthen their minor league affiliate, the Devils placed Halonen on waivers. This move aims to loan him to the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League (AHL) if he clears waivers.
Details on Brian Halonen’s Performance
Brian Halonen recently rejoined the Devils after an early-season call-up but has only participated in a short stint with the team. During his brief appearance, he notably recorded one assist against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 9. In total, Halonen has played 15 NHL games this season, marking a career-high for him.
Career Statistics
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 NHL | 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| AHL Career (Including Playoffs) | 222 | 86 | 50 | 136 |
At 27 years old, Halonen has averaged 7:37 of ice time per game in the NHL, with a plus/minus rating of -1. His prior experience includes a successful run in the AHL, where he registered 19 goals and 13 assists over 48 games this season.
Contract and Financials
Halonen is in the final year of a two-year contract he signed in May 2024. The contract has an NHL cap hit of $775,000 and a minor-league salary of $275,000 for the current season.
Devils’ Other Roster Moves
The Devils also sent forward Lenni Hameenaho to the Utica Comets. As Utica enters the closing stages of their regular season, they are striving to secure a playoff position in the AHL’s Atlantic Division.
- Utica Comets are six points behind the Rochester Americans.
- They must win their remaining three games to have a chance.
- Rochester needs to lose all their final games for Utica to secure a playoff spot.
With these moves, the Devils aim to optimize their roster for future success while providing more playing opportunities for their developing players in the AHL.
