Three New Jersey Devils Prospects Who Must Step Up in Utica

NHL Three New Jersey Devils Prospects Who Must Step Up in Utica

By Nemanja Milosavljević

September 3, 2026 • 12:03 PM EDT

Updated 2 hours ago

Three New Jersey Devils Prospects Who Must Step Up in Utica

The New Jersey Devils’ NHL roster is feeling more crowded than a rush-hour PATH train after the addition of Luke Evangelista. Suddenly, players who seemed like roster locks a week ago—like Lenni Hameenaho and David Rittich—might start the season in Utica because of contract realities. Unless Devils management swings a trade before or early in the season, there’s just not a lot of room for call-ups right now, even if injuries strike. That means it’s time for some of Utica’s players to seize the moment or risk slipping further down the pecking order.

For veterans like Rittich, another year in the AHL doesn’t move the needle, since he pretty much is who he is at this stage. But for younger players, a full AHL campaign is a massive growth opportunity. The Devils’ prospect pool in Utica covers every stage of development. Some are future NHL regulars, others might be depth, and a few could fizzle out. I want to zero in on three names who could shift the organization’s future if they take a step this season. Hameenaho isn’t on this list, because with the right trade, he could still log NHL minutes soon.

According to Yahoo Sports, Melovsky, Lachance, and Malek are the main prospects to watch in Utica this year. Let’s dig into why they matter—and what’s at stake if they do, or don’t, deliver.

NHL roster depth is at a premium, so traditional call-up chances are slim this season.
Younger AHL prospects now face a higher bar to crack the Devils’ NHL lineup.
Melovsky showed solid AHL production as a rookie, earning an NHL deal.
Lachance adds size and physical play, traits the Devils need in their bottom six.
Malek is slated to be Utica’s starting goalie, with a shot to move up the depth chart.
How these three perform could determine their long-term roles in the organization—or make them tradeable assets.

Matyas Melovsky, the Late-Round Surprise

No one expects miracles from sixth round picks, but Matyas Melovsky is already bucking the trend. In his rookie AHL season, he put up 26 points in 55 games and finished tied for eighth among scorers on a struggling Utica squad. It wasn’t world-beating, but for a late-rounder adjusting to pro hockey, that’s a legit building block. No shock that he landed a two-year entry level NHL contract.

Why does Melovsky matter for your Devils futures bet? If he bumps his scoring to around 40-50 points and shows he can improve other areas of his game, he could become a classic late-round steal. He won’t crack this year’s NHL roster unless something major changes, but his ceiling as a versatile call-up or even trade chip raises the team’s floor. The kid playing above expectations, with clear year-on-year growth, should have your attention.

Shane Lachance, the Tough Bottom Six Hope

Shane Lachance came to New Jersey via the Trent Frederic trade (the Devils retained some salary), signing his entry level contract after a couple years in the NCAA. He’s another sixth rounder and posted 25 points in 62 AHL games last year. At first glance, that scoring isn’t jump-off-the-page stuff—but his game is more about what the Devils lack: size and some edge.

Bigger-bodied and willing to get physical, Lachance offers the kind of bottom-six game that’s tough to find internally. Not a bruiser for the sake of it, but he uses his frame to win pucks and handle the physical grind that separates AHLers from true NHLers. If he adds a tick or two to his scoring this season, it’s not wild to see him get a look as an affordable, physical depth winger in Newark soon. For bettors looking at season-long depth or next-man-up props, his development is one to watch.

Jakub Malek, the Goaltending Wild Card

Goaltending has been a constant source of anxiety among Devils fans, and Jakub Malek is angling for the next shot in the pipeline. Picked in the fourth round the same year as Lachance, Malek logged 31 games for Utica plus a quick ECHL stint last season. His .895 save percentage might not spark big confidence yet, but let’s remember—a lot of prospects put up wobbly numbers in their debut pro years.

Malek wasn’t exactly shielded by the best team in front of him, and there’s hope that the revamped group will make Utica a bit tighter defensively. If Malek steps forward and solidifies himself as a genuine AHL starter with improved numbers, the Devils’ organisational depth (and their flexibility for future moves) goes way up. With the ever-shifting goalie situation, a step up from Malek could be massive, both for next season and the big picture.

Key Takeaways

The Devils’ NHL roster squeeze makes AHL development even more critical this season.
Matyas Melovsky has real breakout potential after a strong rookie AHL season.
Shane Lachance brings size and physicality, qualities lacking in the Devils’ pipeline.
Jakub Malek needs to improve his save percentage to become a reliable option in net.
Any of these three could morph into valuable NHL depth or be used as trade pieces.
If you’re betting Devils futures, these Utica risers (or busts) could factor into your calculus.
For dynasty fantasy hockey, these names should be on your radar—high upside, low investment.

More coverage: more NHL headlines, NHL betting hub and today’s NHL picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Matyas Melovsky, Shane Lachance, and Jakub Malek are considered the most important prospects for the Devils in Utica this season based on their development potential and the team’s needs.

The Devils’ NHL roster is crowded, limiting call-up opportunities. If prospects step up in the AHL, they can become valuable depth or trade assets for the future.

Melovsky impressed with 26 points in 55 AHL games as a rookie. If he increases his scoring and overall impact, he could become a late-round steal and potential NHL contributor.

Lachance’s size and physical play fill a need in the Devils system. If he improves offensively in Utica, he could provide affordable, physical bottom-six depth in New Jersey.

Malek has potential but needs to improve his AHL numbers. If he takes a step up as Utica’s starter, he could climb the organizational depth chart and address long-term goalie needs.

With limited NHL roster spots, it’s unlikely without a trade or significant injuries. However, strong seasons in Utica could set them up for future roles or make them attractive trade targets.

Definitely. If you’re in a dynasty or deep keeper league, Melovsky, Lachance, and Malek should be on your watchlist because their NHL windows could open soon with the right development.