Josh Filmon, a forward drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, is preparing for his next season with hopes of securing a full-time position with the Utica Comets in the American Hockey League (AHL). Last season, Filmon played 12 games for Utica but did not record any points. He spent most of his time with the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL, where he scored 20 goals and provided 16 assists over 65 games.
Filmon, who plays both left and right wing, stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 170 pounds. He hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba. His family includes notable figures such as his grandfather Gary Filmon, a former premier of Manitoba, and his grandmother Janice Filmon, a former lieutenant governor.
Reflecting on his transition from junior to professional hockey, Filmon said: “My Player Development coach, Mark, always said, if you were wearing fluorescent paint, you want to see that all over the ice. That was a good analogy for me to just be cutting guys off and being more of a pest to play against physically. Because I know when I get opportunities in scoring areas, that’s where I can make things happen, but that’s not what the game is all about. You have to find ways to get yourself into those situations. You have to earn playing time by doing the little things right. I think overall just being a more consistent player and being more reliable in defensive situations – when you’re down a goal, breaking the puck out when you’re under pressure… those are the biggest adjustments I’ve noticed from the junior game to the pro game.”
Filmon will aim to use this experience as he works toward establishing himself at the AHL level in the upcoming season.
