The New Jersey Devils announced this week that Mike Zalewski, a 33‑year‑old former professional forward, will serve as an assistant coach for their AHL affiliate in Utica. The move marks the first step in Zalewski’s coaching career after a decade‑long playing journey that spanned North America, Germany and Austria.
Zalewski’s hockey résumé reads like a world tour. From his early days in the Eastern Junior Hockey League and the British Columbia Hockey League, he honed his craft in the minors before earning an NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks in 2014. Over the next few seasons he tallied 63 points in 167 AHL games for the Utica Comets, highlighted by a 33‑point breakout in 2015‑16, and contributed four points in the Calder Cup playoffs.
After three productive years in Germany’s DEL with Straubing Tigers and Kölner Haie, Zalewski moved to Austria, where he spent four seasons with the Vienna Capitals, Graz99ers and EC‑KAC. His international experience gave him a broader perspective on the game, qualities the Devils hope will translate into mentorship for younger players in Utica.
A Coaching Staff Built for Development
Zalewski will join a coaching lineup that already includes Ryan Parent, Matt Carkner and goaltending specialist Brian Eklund. Together, the quartet aims to blend veteran insight with innovative strategies, fostering an environment where prospects can thrive both on and off the ice.
The appointment is more than a personnel move; it signals the Devils’ commitment to nurturing talent within their AHL system. By leveraging Zalewski’s diverse background and deep connection to the Comets — where he once recorded a career‑high 33 points — the organization hopes to accelerate player development and maintain competitiveness in the league.
Fans in Utica can look forward to seeing a familiar face behind the bench, one who understands the rigors of professional hockey and the nuances of European play. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, Zalewski’s presence adds a layer of continuity and ambition that could prove pivotal in the club’s pursuit of a Calder Cup.