Devils sign Matyas Melovsky to two-year, entry-level contract

On Monday, New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald announced that the team has signed forward Matyas Melovsky to a two-year, entry-level contract. The deal is set to begin with the 2026-27 season.

Melovsky was taken by the Devils in the sixth round, 171st overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. It came after a pair of promising seasons with the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. Following a solid 58-point campaign in 2022-23, which saw him lead all rookies with 52 assists, the Unicov, Czechia native posted 60 points in his draft year. Melovsky added another 19 points in 17 games during the QMJHL Playoffs, helping the Drakkar make it to the finals, where they were ultimately swept by the Drummondville Voltigeurs.

Melovsky’s draft stock was bolstered thanks to a great performance at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship. He put his playmaking ability on full display, scoring a goal and 10 assists for 11 points, finishing second on the team in scoring behind current Buffalo Sabres forward Jiri Kulich. The duo helped the Czechs claim the bronze medal after an exceptional run in Sweden.

Last season with the Drakkar, Melovsky had his best junior season yet, scoring 26 goals and 57 assists for 83 points. Along with finishing fourth in the QMJHL in assists and eighth in overall scoring, he was awarded the Guy Carbonneau Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward. Baie-Comeau made it to the second round before being eliminated by the eventual champion Moncton Wildcats.

Melovsky turned pro this season with the Devils’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Utica Comets, on a minor-league deal. In 35 games, the 21-year-old has potted three goals and 10 assists for 13 points.