Devils Prospect Melovsky Impresses in First AHL Season

Sixth-round pick shows high hockey IQ and playmaking ability in Utica

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:36pm

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Devils prospect Matyas Melovsky, a 2024 sixth-round draft pick, has made a strong impression in his first season with the Utica Comets of the AHL. Despite being an overage pick, Melovsky has showcased his high hockey IQ, deceptive skating, and playmaking ability, quickly earning a regular role with the team. Coaches praise his ability to make his linemates better and stabilize the lineup down the middle.

Why it matters

Finding value in the later rounds of the NHL Draft is crucial for teams like the Devils, who are looking to build a sustainable pipeline of talent. Melovsky's early success in the AHL suggests he could develop into a reliable two-way center who can contribute at the NHL level, providing the Devils with additional depth and flexibility up the middle.

The details

Melovsky, who was passed over in his first year of draft eligibility, was selected by the Devils in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Despite his late-round status, the organization saw potential in his strong two-way game and high hockey IQ. In his final junior season with Baie-Comeau in the QMJHL, Melovsky earned Defensive Forward of the Year honors, showcasing the responsibility and detail in his game. Since joining the Utica Comets, Melovsky has impressed the coaching staff with his ability to make his linemates better through his passing and decision-making. While he still needs to continue developing the physical side of his game, Melovsky's maturity and self-awareness have allowed him to make a smooth transition to the pro level.

  • Melovsky was selected by the Devils in the sixth round of the 2024 NHL Draft.
  • In his final junior season with Baie-Comeau in the QMJHL, Melovsky earned Defensive Forward of the Year honors.
  • Melovsky joined the Utica Comets, the Devils' AHL affiliate, at the start of the 2025-26 season.

The players

Matyas Melovsky

A 21-year-old center prospect in the Devils organization, known for his high hockey IQ, deceptive skating, and playmaking ability.

Meghan Duggan

The Devils' director of player development, who has been impressed by Melovsky's maturity and potential.

Ryan Parent

The head coach of the Utica Comets, who has praised Melovsky's ability to make his linemates better and stabilize the lineup down the middle.

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What they’re saying

“His (hockey) IQ, the way that he flows and moves through a game, he has this level of deceptive skating and speed. Just a really smart, solid kind of two-way hockey ply- two-way hockey player.”

— Meghan Duggan, Devils director of player development

“His hockey sense was so high that it made up for kind of the immaturity. It enabled him to play right away.”

— Ryan Parent, Utica Comets head coach

“He really makes his linemates better. He's a really good puck mover. He sees the ice well… he knows when other players are going to be in good positions.”

— Ryan Parent, Utica Comets head coach

What’s next

As Melovsky continues to develop his physical game and adapt to the pro level, the Devils will be closely monitoring his progress with the Utica Comets. If he continues to impress, he could earn a call-up to the NHL in the near future.

The takeaway

Melovsky's early success in the AHL demonstrates the value of scouting and developing talent outside of the early rounds of the NHL Draft. His high hockey IQ, playmaking ability, and maturity have allowed him to make a smooth transition to the pro game, and the Devils are excited about his potential as a reliable two-way center who can contribute at the NHL level.