The New Jersey Devils announced a few roster transactions on Friday (Feb. 20) afternoon. They have recalled forward Dylan Wendt from the Utica Comets, their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Likewise, they have sent down goaltender Jakub Malek.
Earlier this week, Malek was brought up as a practice goaltender, while Jacob Markstrom remained in Milan with Team Sweden. He spent two practices with the Devils, in accordance with the NHL’s Olympic guidelines.
Similarly, Wendt will join the Devils for practice this weekend, skating with the team while they await the return of various players from Italy.
#NEWS: We’ve recalled F Dylan Wendt from Utica (AHL) and assigned G Jakub Malek to Utica.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) February 20, 2026
The 25-year-old went undrafted and has experience playing in the AHL and ECHL. He also played three seasons of junior hockey in the United States Hockey League (USHL). The Devils signed him as a free agent to a two-year, entry-level contract in April 2024, after completing his third season at Western Michigan University.
This season, he’s spent a total of 12 games with the Utica Comets, earning two assists in the AHL. Wendt has also played 16 games with the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL, tallying four goals and 13 points.
Wendt has not yet made his NHL debut, but he will have the opportunity to prove himself at practice with the Devils. If he makes a good impression, he could eventually become a player they can recall in the event of injury.
New Jersey currently has two players left in the running for an Olympic medal: Jack Hughes and Simon Nemec. After the end of the tournament, they will return to action next week, as the Devils prepare to take on the Buffalo Sabres on Feb. 25.
