The Utica Comets officially have another defenseman on the roster.

New Jersey Devils defensive prospect Topias Vilén was assigned to the Comets on Monday, the team officially announced Monday.

The move involving Vilén was expected for some time after Comets General Manager Dan MacKinnon told the Daily Sentinel in February and late last week about the 20-year-old fifth NHL draft pick in 2021 getting experience in North America.

The Comets posted on social media Monday that Vilén practiced with the team in preparing for Game 3 against the Toronto Marlies at 7 p.m. Wednesday in Utica. The best-of-five series is even at 1 following the Comets' lopsided Game 2 win.

It is possible he could be an option for the Comets, who technically have eight defensemen on the roster as of Monday afternoon. The group has chipped in offensively in the playoffs, combing for 14 points in four games. Reilly Walsh leads the group with four goals and an assist. 

Vilén, who joins fellow young Devils prospect and second overall pick in 2022 in Simon Nemec, who is having a standout rookie season in North America as a 19-year-old. 

Vilén had his season with the Lahden Pelicans in Finland end Thursday in Game 5 of the Liiga finals against champion Tappara. Liiga is the top pro league in Finland.

The lefthanded Vilén is coming off a standout season with the Pelicans, including an impressive postseason. He’s considered more of a hardworking defense-minded player.

That said there was an increase in offense this season. In 41 regular-season games, he had nine goals and 17 points. He added four goals and nine points in 18 postseason games.

All of his experience has been in Finland or playing with the country’s junior team. He participated in the 2023 Under-20 IIHF World Championships for Finland.

Vilen signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Devils in May 2022.