Is Brian Halonen Forcing the Devils’ Hand?
The New Jersey Devils have been searching for answers up front all season. Goals have been hard to come by, and while the top of the lineup continues to shoulder most of the offensive burden, depth scoring has been inconsistent at best. But down in Utica, one winger is quietly making a strong case for another shot in the NHL - and his name is Brian Halonen.
Let’s talk about what Halonen is doing right now. The 27-year-old has been on a heater for the Utica Comets, leading the team with 14 goals in just 23 games.
That’s a solid pace in any league, but what really jumps off the page is his recent stretch: 10 goals in his last 12 games. That’s not just a hot streak - that’s sustained production from a player who seems to be finding his rhythm.
Saturday’s game against the Hershey Bears was another example. The Comets dropped a 4-3 overtime decision, but Halonen found the back of the net again, joining Ethan Edwards and Cam Squires on the scoresheet.
The loss stings, but Halonen’s consistency continues to shine through. Nico Daws had a rough outing in net, stopping just 14 of 18 shots, but Halonen once again did his part.
This isn’t Halonen’s first taste of NHL action. Earlier this season, he had a nine-game stint with the Devils and notched his first NHL goal.
It was a brief look, but one that gave the organization a glimpse of what he might bring at the next level. Now, with his game trending upward and the Devils still looking for scoring help, the question becomes: is it time to bring him back?
At 27, Halonen isn’t a prospect in the traditional sense. He’s in that in-between stage - not a young up-and-comer, but not quite a veteran either.
For players like him, opportunities don’t come around often, and when they do, they have to make them count. Right now, he’s doing everything he can in Utica to earn that next chance.
Around the Pipeline
Elsewhere in the Devils’ system, there are a few more names worth keeping an eye on.
Defenseman Sigge Holmgren is starting to find his footing again after missing a full season due to injury. Skating with Brynäs IF U20, Holmgren has quietly put up seven assists this year. For a player working his way back into form, that’s a promising sign of progress.
Meanwhile, winger Kasper Pikkarainen is riding a wave of momentum since returning from the World Juniors. He recently earned a recall to TPS and celebrated in style, scoring his first career goal in Finland’s top league, the Liiga. It’s a big step for the young forward and an encouraging development for the Devils’ long-term depth.
The Bottom Line
Halonen’s scoring surge in Utica isn’t just a nice story - it’s a potential solution to a real problem in New Jersey. The Devils need goals, and Halonen is providing them at a high clip in the AHL.
The timing, the production, the age - it all adds up to a player who deserves another look. Whether or not the Devils make that move soon remains to be seen, but if Halonen keeps lighting the lamp, it’ll be hard to ignore.