The New York Rangers have officially signed forward Justin Dowling to a two-year contract. Dowling, at 34 years old, played 52 games with the New Jersey Devils last season, scoring two goals and providing five assists. His performance marked a career high in games played and points during the 2024-25 season, as he also contributed during the playoffs. Beyond the NHL, Dowling has experience in the AHL, where he played for the Utica Comets, showcasing his scoring ability with four points in seven games.

Over his seven-season NHL career, he has amassed nine goals and 17 assists, playing for teams like the Devils, Dallas Stars, and Vancouver Canucks. His extensive AHL career includes 573 games and 408 points. Dowling's experience and versatility could play a key role for the Rangers as they look to enhance their offensive options in the upcoming season.

The Utica Comets faced the Laval Rocket in a closely contested match, aiming for their first win of the season. Despite a spirited comeback, the Comets fell short, losing 4-3. The Rocket initially surged ahead with goals from Owen Beck, Josh Roy, and Laurent Dauphin, establishing a three-goal lead.

In the third period, the Comets showed resilience with goals from Brian Halonen, Filip Engaras, and Justin Dowling, but it wasn't enough to secure points. Filip Engaras was injured during the game and taken off the ice on a stretcher, with updates on his condition pending.