Lenni Hämeenaho experienced his first NHL action last season after debuting with the New Jersey Devils, offering a brief glimpse into top-tier hockey. Drafted in the second round in 2023, the Devils were patient with Hämeenaho’s transition to North American pro hockey, delaying his NHL debut until mid-January. Following his debut, the Finnish winger played 33 games, netting two goals and totaling eight points in his rookie year.
At season’s end, Hämeenaho had an exit interview with Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, who emphasized that leaving the organization prematurely would be a mistake. Keefe advised Hämeenaho to keep working hard and improve, confidently stating that the team would be stronger when he returns than the team he played 30 games for.
Since coming back to New Jersey, Hämeenaho has been skating with teammates Riley Tufte and Colin White orBen Steeves and Matyas Melovsky. Notably, all four were originally slated to start the season with the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League (AHL). Due to offseason additions of players like Anthony Mantha, Luke Evangelista, Evan Rodrigues, Amadeus Lombardi, and Jesper Boqvist, Hämeenaho’s immediate destination was set to be Utica.
Keefe pointed out that increased competition and roster depth make things more challenging for young players like Hämeenaho. In preseason play, Hämeenaho registered one assist over two games, averaging about 17 minutes of ice time per game, with stats including a shot on goal, three blocked shots, two hits, and one turnover.
Keefe reflected that Hämeenaho’s experience in the NHL gives him confidence and recognizes his potential, which benefits him moving forward. Playing significant top-line minutes at the AHL level will allow Hämeenaho to develop fully, rather than sitting in the press box or playing limited roles in the NHL. Keefe noted that each offseason’s goal is team improvement, which makes earning and maintaining a spot in the NHL more competitive but also more rewarding for young players striving to prove themselves.
The current question for Hämeenaho is whether he will see NHL playing time this season, considering the Devils have extra forwards like Jesper Boqvist and Stefan Noesen in the roster. Meanwhile, the Utica Comets are set to kick off their season on October 2nd against the Providence Bruins.
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Fan Take: Hämeenaho’s journey highlights the intricate path young players take to establish themselves in the NHL. His development and potential opportunities this season could signal a bright future for the Devils and add exciting depth to the league’s emerging talent pool.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
