Earlier today, the New Jersey Devils announced a few roster transactions. They have recalled forwards Brian Halonen and Marc McLaughlin from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Utica Comets. Both players were present at Saturday morning’s skate as the Devils prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens later tonight at Prudential Center.

The news comes right after the organization revealed that rookie Arseny Gritsyuk will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery for an undisclosed upper-body injury.

Halonen has suited up for a handful of games with the Devils this season, scoring one goal across nine contests. The last time he joined the team was in early November, recording 7:32 ice time in the Devils’ 4-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

He’s spent the better part of the season with the Comets and ranks second in points with the AHL club, tallying 19 goals and 32 points. Halonen is also tied for the team’s lead in power-play goals, with five so far this season.

McLaughlin, on the other hand, has not seen any NHL action yet this season, after sustaining an injury during preseason and being placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR). He’s played just 21 games with the Comets for 2025-26, with six goals and seven assists, including one game-winning goal.

It will be interesting to see where Halonen and McLaughlin could fit into the lineup this weekend. The Devils are gearing up to face the Canadiens in back-to-back games, ending Sunday night on the road at Bell Centre. Hopefully, both forwards will be able to provide some much-needed depth scoring.

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