Guess Who’s Back, Back Again? Seamus Casey’s Return from Utica

Twenty-one-year-old defenseman Seamus Casey has been recalled from the Utica Comets of the American Hockey League, also known as the AHL. Despite New Jersey Devils’ head coach Sheldon Keefe initially displaying distrust in Casey, he’s giving him one last NHL opportunity with six regular-season games left on the schedule. Ranking third among Utica defensemen and having shown solid results in his limited NHL appearances this season, Casey has demonstrated he deserves a spot on the Devils’ roster. With his return, fans are eager to see what he will bring as the team fights to secure a spot in the playoffs, hoping his contributions can make a difference during this critical stretch. 

Casey’s time with the Devils this season has been brief, having played only ten games so far. Casey, a second-round pick in 2022, only lasted a couple of weeks during the 2024-25 season opener before returning to the AHL in late October. He was later recalled during mid-February to early March. Casey’s returns to Utica most likely stem from concerns over his possession skills, which have not consistently met Keefe’s expectations. Casey has only controlled 41.6% of shot attempts, highlighting the need for improvement in his play. 

Despite having shown room for improvement in his possession game, Casey delivered promising results during his limited NHL minutes this season. In just 10 games, Casey scored four goals and added an assist, all while averaging less than 12 minutes of ice time per game. On top of this, he has received 68.3% of his even-strength zone starts in offensive deployment, showing that the team had confidence in his ability to contribute offensively. With his potential for growth, Casey’s short-lived stint in the NHL has shown glimpses of the impact he could make as a top prospect. 

In the minors, Casey has excelled this season, further developing his overall game. He ranks third among Utica defensemen, recording three goals and 15 assists in 30 games played. His ability to contribute offensively while continuing to refine his defensive play has made him a key figure on the Comets’ blue line. With his strong showing in the AHL, Casey is positioning himself for a more permanent role with the Devils in the future. 

With the Devils ranking third in the Metropolitan Division, they need all the help they can get from their top players to maintain their position in the standings and secure a playoff spot. With Casey returning for warmups this morning in New Jersey, fans are excited to see what he can bring to the ice. Not only has he produced solid numbers while with the Devils, but he has also worked his way up through the rankings in Utica, proving his dedication to becoming a key contributor at the NHL level. Having shown all-around improvement, Casey has the potential to become a permanent fixture on the Devils’ roster.