Brian Halonen - W
Another player who is not waiver-exempt is Brian Halonen. He was given a new contract this offseason, although both years are two-way, meaning he’s only guaranteed what is his AHL salary. He did get a relatively significant salary bump in year two of the deal ($275,000 at the AHL level, which is $100,000 more than this year), but it being a two-way deal still says what the Devils expect from Halonen.
Again, we must remind everyone that this is a different coaching staff, and Keefe has the ability to surprise everyone with his roster moves. He has fallen in love with players like Halonen in the past, and he could push for him to make the roster again.
It’s a long shot, and the Devils have similar players already expected to be on the roster. They signed Stefan Noesen, who will play a similar role. Paul Cotter will also play a similar role, but his is definitely different. Halonen is destined to be a fourth-line forward in the NHL if he makes it.
Halonen will likely at least get a call-up at some point this season, barring some insane injury luck. While it’s unlikely that he makes the trip to Prague, it’s not impossible.