Lenni Hämeenaho Earns First NHL Recall; Devils Assign Colton White

Lenni Hämeenaho earned his first NHL recall when the New Jersey Devils called up the 21-year-old forward from the Utica Comets on Jan. 17, 2026, a move that rewards his production and reshapes depth for both clubs. Hämeenaho paced Utica with 21 points and was tied for the team lead with nine goals at the time of the recall. His special-teams contributions included two power-play goals and one shorthanded goal, underlining a multi-faceted offensive game that translated quickly since arriving in North America.

The Devils paired Hämeenaho’s promotion with the assignment of defenseman Colton White to Utica after White cleared waivers. White’s waiver clearance allowed New Jersey to move a veteran blueliner to the AHL without losing control of his rights, bolstering Utica’s defensive corps while opening a roster spot in the NHL. The transaction reflects the balancing act NHL clubs face between short-term roster needs and longer-term player development.

Hämeenaho’s stat line in Utica points to a player who can create offense in different situations. Nine goals, including two on the power play and one shorthanded, suggest a willingness to attack on the man advantage and a knack for opportunistic scoring on the penalty kill. For a 21-year-old adapting to smaller ice and a heavier schedule, those numbers are notable and provide the Devils with a low-risk, potentially high-reward option up front as they manage injuries and lineup changes.

Colton White’s move to Utica carries a different set of implications. A defenseman with NHL experience, White will provide the Comets with veteran stabilization on the back end and a partner for younger defense prospects. For New Jersey, White clearing waivers means an extra layer of roster flexibility; the club can call on his experience later without exposing him again immediately, while Hämeenaho gets an opportunity to stake a claim in the NHL lineup.

This roster shuffle also highlights the Devils’ reliance on the AHL pipeline to supplement scoring and depth. Hämeenaho’s recall is a milestone for his career and a marker of the Comets’ role as a proving ground. Fans in Utica will lose their leading scorer temporarily, but will gain an experienced NHL defender in White, a swap that alters on-ice dynamics and the local box score.

What comes next is straightforward: Hämeenaho will join New Jersey and compete for minutes and a role on special teams, while White will aim to anchor Utica’s defense and push for another NHL opportunity. For readers tracking prospects and roster construction, Hämeenaho’s recall is a development to monitor as the Devils test young scoring options and calibrate their middle-six forward group.