The New Jersey Devils need depth scoring yet again. Relying on guys like Luke Glendening, Paul Cotter, Juho Lammikko, and Ondrej Palat hasn't worked to anyone's surprise. With limited cap space and the restrictions that come with it, there isn't much that the Devils' general manager, Tom Fitzgerald, can do to help his club. However, there's one prospect down in Utica who is catching the eyes of many and could perhaps give the Devils a scoring punch they desperately need.
Lenni Hämeenaho, the Devils' second-round pick in 2023, has needed some time to get comfortable playing in North America. The 21-year-old winger has found his scoring groove. In 30 games, Hämeenaho has totaled nine goals and 19 points. However, since early December, he has been on a roll, tallying six goals and 15 points. On top of that, he's got 17 pts in 21 games and 13 in his last 13. Not only are the stats impressive, but he also passes the eye test.
First shot, first goal of the night https://t.co/ZwJkE2Irgd pic.twitter.com/nBuhPqTWkY
— Utica Comets (@UticaComets) January 8, 2026
The biggest reason this production is happening now is thanks to his mindset to start the year. Early in the season, there is more emphasis on the rookie forward to work on his overall game rather than just scoring. That's why he wasn't producing much on the score sheet. Now that he's more comfortable playing in North America, the scoring and overall production are being rewarded. His play is also being recognized by the Comets' head coach Ryan Parent, who has him on the power play.
Hämeenaho's play has helped the Comets, who have had a rough season of their own, find their footing of late. Since the beginning of December 2025, The Comets have posted a record of 6-4-3. That is their best stretch of the entire season up until this point. His consistent scoring has been noticeable enough that the Devils' world is starting to wonder when the rookie could or will get a call-up to the big leagues.
Lenni Hameenaho finishes with 2 goals and an assist in the Comets' 5-1 win tonight. He has 13 points in his last 11 games. Getting close to call-up time?#NJDevils
— Alex Chauvancy (@AlexC_NJD) January 8, 2026
Considering where the Devils are with their lack of scoring, especially after the 9-0 throttling at the hands of the New York Islanders, they will be happy with any help. Hämeenaho has at least earned a look in the league. He's maturing a lot down in the AHL, and if he can provide that scoring boost for the big club, it won't be long before he becomes a mainstay in the NHL. Devils' general manager Tom Fitzgerald needs to help the team in some way.
Since adding from outside the organization seems impossible, why not give one of your top prospects a chance to see if they're ready to help this struggling New Jersey offense?