Devils Sign Promising Prospect Matyas Melovsky to ELC

The 21-year-old Czech forward has impressed in his first pro season in North America.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The New Jersey Devils have signed 21-year-old Czech forward Matyas Melovsky to a two-year entry-level contract beginning in the 2026-27 season. Melovsky is in his first pro season in North America on a one-way AHL deal with the Utica Comets, where he has 13 points in 35 games. He was a sixth-round draft pick of the Devils in 2024 after a standout junior career in the QMJHL.

Why it matters

The Devils have had success developing late-round draft picks into NHL contributors, and Melovsky's early pro success suggests he could be another diamond in the rough for the organization. As the team looks to build around its young core, adding skilled forwards like Melovsky through the draft is crucial.

The details

Melovsky, a 6'1" 190-lb right-shot forward, was a prolific scorer in the QMJHL, totaling 201 points in 169 regular-season games and 38 points in 35 playoff games over three seasons with Baie-Comeau. He led QMJHL rookies with 52 assists in 2022-23. Internationally, Melovsky represented the Czech Republic at the 2022 IIHF U18 Worlds and 2024 U20 Worlds, tying for the tournament lead in assists (10) and helping win bronze in 2024.

  • Melovsky signed his entry-level contract with the Devils on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • The contract will begin in the 2026-27 NHL season.

The players

Matyas Melovsky

A 21-year-old Czech forward who was a sixth-round draft pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2024. He is in his first pro season in North America on a one-way AHL deal with the Utica Comets, where he has 13 points in 35 games.

New Jersey Devils

The NHL team that drafted and has now signed Matyas Melovsky to an entry-level contract, as they look to continue developing late-round draft picks into NHL contributors.

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What they’re saying

“Melovsky is forcing his way up the ladder.”

— James Nichols, Author (sportsnaut.com)

What’s next

Melovsky will look to continue his strong play with the Utica Comets as he works towards earning an NHL opportunity with the Devils in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

The Devils' ability to uncover and develop late-round draft gems like Melovsky is a testament to their scouting and player development prowess, and could pay dividends as the team builds towards contention in the years ahead.