Here’s a bold statement: the New Jersey Devils might be on the brink of a game-changing move that could shake up their season. But here’s where it gets controversial—is recalling their top forward prospect, Lenni Hämeenaho, the right call, especially when the team is healthier than ever? Let’s dive in.
If you haven’t been keeping tabs on the Devils’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utica Comets, you’ve missed a breakout star in the making. Lenni Hämeenaho, a 21-year-old Finnish forward, has gone from a slow start to becoming the AHL’s leading scorer, with 21 points and nine goals in his last 23 games. And this is the part most people miss—his explosive rise hasn’t gone unnoticed by the NHL brass, particularly Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald.
In a recent conversation, Fitzgerald praised Hämeenaho’s progress, calling him a ‘dip-your-toe-in-the-pool’ type of player who’s steadily gaining confidence. ‘We’ve talked about bringing him up, even just to practice with us, so he feels comfortable here,’ Fitzgerald explained. ‘It’s a meritocracy—he’s playing well, and we want to give him an opportunity, but we want to make sure we’re getting the best out of him.’
Here’s the catch: the Devils are currently at their healthiest point of the season, knocking on wood to stay injury-free as they push for a playoff spot. Yet, it’s widely speculated that Hämeenaho will be the first call-up if a forward goes down. But is that the only scenario? Here’s the controversial question—should the Devils wait for an injury, or should they find a way to integrate him now, even if it means shaking up their lineup?
Hämeenaho’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. After going pointless in his first nine AHL games, he’s since become the Comets’ leading scorer, proving his two-way prowess and offensive upside. Ben Birnell of the Daily Sentinel noted early on that Hämeenaho’s defensive skills were already NHL-ready, but his offense would take time. Now, it seems that time has arrived.
The Devils, currently ranked 26th in the NHL with just 2.62 goals per game, could desperately use his scoring punch. Fitzgerald has hinted at adding a forward before the trade deadline, but Hämeenaho could be the internal solution they’ve been overlooking. With nine goals in his last 23 games, he’s on pace for 20 by season’s end—a stat that’s hard to ignore.
Drafted 58th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft, Hämeenaho honed his skills in Finland’s Liiga, where he often led his team in scoring. His transition to North American hockey has been impressive, and he’s now solidifying himself as the Devils’ top forward prospect with legitimate NHL potential.
But here’s the debate—is recalling him now a risk worth taking, or should the Devils play it safe and wait for the perfect moment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure: Hämeenaho’s story is just beginning, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
