Apr 20, 2026

Utica, NY– It was announced today that the New Jersey Devils have reassigned forward Josh Filmon and that the Utica Comets have loaned defenseman Jackson van de Leest to the ECHL’s Adirondack Thunder as the club embarks on its 2026 Kelly Cup Playoff campaign.

Filmon, 22, recorded six points (4g, 2a) in 31 games with the Comets this season, and three points (1g, 2a) in 11 total games with the Thunder. 

Selected in the sixth round, 166th overall, of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the New Jersey Devils, the Winnipeg, MB native made his professional debut with the Comets during the 2022-23 season. 

During his junior hockey career, Filmon spent three seasons with the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos, playing in a total of 212 games while recording 189 points (99g, 90a).

van de Leest, 24, tallied four points (1g, 3a) in 18 games with the Comets this season, and eight points (3g, 5a) in 25 games with Adirondack. 

The Kelowna, BC native was undrafted and played a total of five seasons in the WHL, suiting up in 221 games with the Calgary Hitmen while recording 78 points (9g, 69a), and 34 games with the Red Deer Rebels while tallying 10 points (2g, 8a).

Following juniors, van de Leest attended Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia for two years prior to making his professional debut, suiting up in 57 games while notching a total of 17 points (4g, 13a).

The Adirondack Thunder finished in third place in the North Division with a record of 37-24-10-1 and 85 points and will open up their first round series on the road against the number two seed Maine Mariners with game one coming up this Friday, April 24th at 6 pm. 

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