The Devils are expected to recall the AHL’s leading scorer

According to a source, New Jersey Hockey has now learned that the New Jersey Devils are expected to recall their American Hockey League affiliate’s leading scorer.

Forward Brian Halonen is scheduled to face the Devils in Toronto before the Devils face the Toronto Maple Leafs for the third time this season.

Halonen leads the AHL Utica Comets in both goals (13) and points (21) in 31 games. On Saturday, Halonen had a goal and an assist in the Comets’ 4-1 win over the Toronto Marlies.

Last season, Halonen scored 20 goals in 35 AHL games in AHL Utica. This season, Halonen is on pace to record his first 30-goal season in his professional hockey career.

However, Halonen’s AHL pace may slow somewhat as his services are in demand at the NHL level. The Devils are currently a bit banged up with Erik Haula missing with an ankle injury, and Stefan Noesen is not expected to travel to Toronto as he is dealing with an illness.

During Devils practice on Wednesday, the line combinations looked the same as they did on Tuesday night when the Devils took on the Florida Panthers. However, there is reason to believe that Halonen will at least skate on the fourth line alongside Curtis Lazar and Nathan Bastian, with Tomas Tatar remaining highly valued and Kurtis MacDermid out of the lineup.

Halonen, an undrafted forward, signed a two-year deal in May to remain with the New Jersey organization for the next few seasons. The 26-year-old forward has two games of NHL experience and played two games for New Jersey during the injury-curtailed 2023-24 season.

Halonen has shown a strong shot at the AHL level, but expect the 207-pound forward to play a physical and checking role with the Devils.

However, New Jersey is looking for depth. This could be Halonen’s chance to make an impact.

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