The New Jersey Devils made roster changes on Friday, February 20, recalling forward Dylan Wendt from their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, while sending goaltender Jakub Malek back down. These adjustments come as the team manages player availability during the ongoing Olympic break.
Malek’s Role During Olympic Break and Wendt’s Upcoming Practice
Jakub Malek had been serving as a practice goaltender earlier in the week while Jacob Markstrom remained with Team Sweden in Milan for the Olympics. Malek participated in two practice sessions in accordance with NHL rules during the Olympic pause. Meanwhile, Dylan Wendt will join the Devils’ practice sessions this weekend as the team awaits the return of its players competing in Italy.
Dylan Wendt’s Path to New Jersey and Current Performance
At 25 years old, Dylan Wendt went undrafted but built experience through the AHL and ECHL, following three seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL). After completing his collegiate career at Western Michigan University, the Devils signed him as a free agent on a two-year entry-level contract in April 2024. This season, he has appeared in 12 games for the Utica Comets, recording two assists, and has also contributed four goals and 13 points over 16 games with the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL.
Opportunity Awaits as Devils Prepare Post-Olympics
Although Dylan Wendt has yet to make his NHL debut, practicing with the Devils offers a chance to showcase his skills and potentially earn future call-ups, especially if injuries occur. New Jersey still has two players active in the Olympics, Jack Hughes and Simon Nemec, both contenders for medals. The team anticipates their return next week as they gear up to face the Buffalo Sabres on February 25.
“#NEWS: We’ve recalled F Dylan Wendt from Utica (AHL) and assigned G Jakub Malek to Utica.”
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils)
#NEWS: We've recalled F Dylan Wendt from Utica (AHL) and assigned G Jakub Malek to Utica.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) February 20, 2026
