Devils recall former playoff hero Akira Schmid from minor leagues

The New Jersey Devils have recalled netminder Akira Schmid from the Utica Comets of the AHL. Schmid last dressed for New Jersey on March 5 and has lost four of his last five decisions.

A playoff hero a year ago for the Devils, Schmid looked like a possible extension candidate last summer but entered this year without a new deal and in the final year of his entry-level contract. 

Schmid struggled to start the season, losing five of his first six starts, and was never able to return to the form he displayed last season.

The Devils opted to demote Schmid at the end of 2023, hoping that he could regain his confidence and form, before recalling him in February. 

Schmid had two strong relief appearances for the Devils, but they were sandwiched between two underwhelming starts. Schmid was then assigned back to Utica where he has played 20 games this season, going 8-8-4 with a 3.12 goals-against average and .891 save percentage. 

In the NHL this season, Schmid is 5-9-1 in 19 appearances and has a 3.15 goals-against average with a .895 save percentage.

The recall is not all that surprising given the comments Devils head coach Travis Green had about Devils goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen on Sunday, saying that the netminder isn’t doing great after his lower-body injury.