Similar to the terrible time we’re having with the New Jersey Devils’ season, the Utica Comets’ season has been terrible. They have 32 standings points and a 12-20-5-3 record. They’ve won 12 of their 40 games. That’s just dreadful. There is only one team worse in the entire AHL. It’s the Iowa Wild who had 29 points.
While the season has not gone well, one of the Devils’ top prospects is still having a good season. Defenseman Seamus Casey has 19 points in 29 games this season. His offensive prowess earned him a spot at the AHL All-Star Game representing the Comets. He only has one goal, so he’s focusing on helping his teammates score goals.
Ironically, he has as many goals in the NHL in 16 games as he has in the AHL in 59 games. Casey knows what his team needs, and he’s done a really good job of fitting his skills in the right position for his team’s needs.
However, Casey won’t be able to go to the All-Star Game. It was reported on Tuesday that Casey suffered an injury over the weekend that will force him to be replaced.
Casey will be replaced by forward Brian Halonen. Halonen is one of the many forwards the Devils tried on the fourth line this season. He had one goal in nine NHL games, but he’s had 14 goals in 23 AHL games. Scoring one average more than a goal every two games is great, even when considering it’s the AHL.
As I mentioned Saturday:
— Ben Birnell (@BB_URSentinel) February 3, 2026
Seamus Casey was being evaluated for an injury and Ryan Parent said his participation in the AHL's midseason festivities on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11 was in doubt.
So, there ya go.
The 24-year-old made the All-Star Game last year, as well, but he had to miss that one due to injury, as well. He was replaced in that game by former second-overall pick Simon Nemec. This year, Halonen is taking his spot.
Casey is technically a two-time All-Star, but he has zero games under his belt. He likely wants nothing to do with the game next year because he wants to make the NHL roster. We will see what the future holds. We see the Devils making profound changes to every inch of this roster, especially if they make a move at GM or head coach.
For now, Casey needs to recover from whatever injury is keeping him out of games. He’s going through a very important development year, and the fact that the Comets are this bad is already hurting what future Seamus Casey is able to do.