The New Jersey Devils announced on Wednesday that a change was coming for the 0-8-1 Utica Comets. Former head coach Kevin Dineen was relieved of his duties, and the Comets would move forward with Ryan Parent as the interim head coach. It was a surprise move by the Devils, even though it happened to a team that failed to win one game out of nine. On top of that, the Comets have been worse every year. After a historic start in 2021-22, Dineen’s first year on the bench, the Comets have been worse each season.
Many will say that the issues in Utica were much beyond the coach. The forwards are not the best, but this seems extreme. They have talent, especially on the back end and in net. This is still a team with Seamus Casey, Topias Vilen, Nico Daws, and Daniil Misyul. They also have veterans Colton White and Nick DeSimone.
The prospects are what this season will be about, as the Devils AHL affiliate is pretty much already out of the playoff race. Getting a team that can develop the prospects in a winning environment is important for the future of both the Comets and the Devils. Which prospects will see the biggest bump from this change?
1. Topias Vilen
We mentioned the defensemen on the team, and we have some feelings. Seamus Casey has been performing, and likely will no matter the scenario. DeSimone was someone the Devils assumed would be on the NHL roster. Misyul has been decent enough to earn a short-term NHL call up. However, the one guy who seems to be lost in the shuffle is Topias Vilen.
Vilen has been playing on the Comets' third line with Will MacKinnon, the team's general manager's son. That's when he actually gets into the lineup. Vilen only has three games this season. How is he not playing every single night?
Vilen is a left-handed defenseman, a position the Devils have a depth issue. When Luke Hughes got injured to start the season, Vilen was a name floated by some Devils fans. It appears he wasn't considered for the job, and the Devils decided to play right handers on their off hand instead. We need Vilen to get more and more opportunities, and a new coach will hopefully give them to him.