The New Jersey Devils have reassigned promising forward Lenni Hameenaho to their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, ahead of the final game of the regular season. Brian Halonen was also placed on waivers for a similar reassignment.
With one game remaining in the 2025-26 regular season, the New Jersey Devils have reassigned one of their most promising young forwards.
On Monday, the Devils announced Lenni Hameenaho was reassigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Utica Comets.
Brian Halonen was also placed on waivers with the purpose of reassigning him to the Comets.
During Sunday night’s 4-3 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators, Hameenaho took two penalites, one double minor for drawing blood with a high stick on Shane Pinto.
However, Hameenaho’s six penalty minutes this weekend are not why he’s been sent down to the American Hockey League.
A team source tells New Jersey Hockey now that Hameenaho’s reassignment is purely to aid the Comets in their pursuit for the playoffs.
“It’s a must-win game [for Utica] on Wednesday,” the source said to NJHN. Utica plays the Beleville Senators at 7 P.M. Wednesday night.
The Comets haven’t made the AHL Playoffs since 2023. They have three games remaining on the schedule, with two tilts against the Providence Bruins followoing Wednesday’s game with Belleville.
Hameenaho made a name for himself with his NHL recall. He scored two goals and eight points, establishing himself as a staple on New Jersey’s third line in his 33-game stint alongside Arseny Gritsyuk and Cody Glass.
Prior to Hamennaho’s recall in January, the 21-year-old Finnish forward led the Comets in points with with nine goals and 22 points in 34 games.
The Comets currently sit sixth in the AHL’s North Division. They MUST finish fifth or higher in the final North Division standings. Thus, Hameenaho and Halonen—who is ranks fourth among Comets in points— are vital adds in Utica’s final three games to move ahead of (or tie and win the tiebreaker against) the current fifth-place team—the Rochester Americans—while accounting for Rochester’s own remaining results.
Related Headlines
Lenni Hameenaho was reassigned to the Utica Comets, but his six penalty minutes during the recent game were not the reason for the move.
In the game against the Ottawa Senators, the Devils won 4-3 in overtime, and Hameenaho received two penalties, including a double minor for a high stick.
Along with Lenni Hameenaho, Brian Halonen was also placed on waivers to be reassigned to the Utica Comets.
LIV Golf's future appears uncertain as reports suggest Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund may withdraw funding after investing $5 billion. Despite assurances for the 2026 season, the tour faces challenges from low ratings and strong competition from the PGA Tour.
Wings shut down questions about Fudd and Bueckers' relationship
Damon Jones, former NBA player, to change plea to guilty in conspiracy case involving Terry Rozier.
Indiana Fever bolster roster by signing veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Joe Cole advises Arsenal to adjust their attack for the Man City match.
Former Indiana basketball players appeal dismissal of their lawsuit against the school.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.