Devils Recall Hameenaho, Cholowski, White, and Malek

Earlier today, the New Jersey Devils announced a few roster transactions, recalling three players from the Utica Comets, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Forward Lenni Hameenaho and defensemen Dennis Cholowski and Colton White were called up, while goaltender Jakub Malek was brought in as a practice goaltender, based on NHL Olympic regulations in place.

Hameenaho has played a handful of games with the Devils, starting with a brief stint in mid-January. He’s earned four points in nine games so far on two goals and two assists. Likewise, he’s been solid in the AHL, with 22 points across 34 games.

The last time Cholowski played in an NHL game was mid-December, and he’s played just 15 games with the Devils this season. Within that time frame, he tallied one assist before clearing waivers last month and being assigned to the AHL.

White has a bit more experience in the NHL as a result of the injuries that have plagued the Devils’ blue line all season long. He’s been a solid depth defenseman with four points, landing 23 hits and blocking 16 shots. 

Malek remains an important goaltending prospect. He has yet to see NHL ice but has a 7-10-1 record and an .894 save percentage (SV%) with the Comets. As of right now, he’s filling in during practice, while the Devils’ starting goaltender Jacob Markstrom remains with Team Sweden in the Olympics.

Today (Feb. 18) marked the first Devils’ practice since the start of the Olympic break. Fans and players alike have been enjoying a brief reprieve from Devils’ hockey, but now the team is looking to get back on track, facing the Buffalo Sabres at home on Feb. 25.