On October 5, 2015, Appleby signed a three-year entry-level contract with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League (NHL).[1] On January 20, 2018, Appleby made his NHL debut in a 3–1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers, saving 24 shots when he replaced Keith Kinkaid.[2][3] Appleby was sent back down to the AHL on February 4, 2018.[4]
Despite making his NHL debut the final season of his entry-level deal, Appleby as an impending restricted free agent was not tendered a qualifying offer by the New Jersey Devils on June 25, 2018.[5] As a free agent, Appleby secured a one-year AHL contract with the Manitoba Moose, affiliate to the Winnipeg Jets, on July 3, 2018.[6]
During the 2018–19 season, having split time between the Moose and ECHL affiliate, the Jacksonville Icemen, before Appleby was signed to add depth and insurance to the Winnipeg Jets, agreeing to a one-year, two-way contract for the remainder of the season on February 25, 2019.[7] Appleby was assigned to continue in the ECHL with the Icemen.
On June 25, 2019, at the conclusion of his contract with the Jets, Appleby was not tendered a qualifying offer, releasing him as a free agent.[8] On July 9, 2019, Appleby agreed to continue in the AHL, signing a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Admirals, affiliate to the Nashville Predators.[9]
On February 5, 2021, Appleby signed with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL, adding depth for the 2020–21 season.[10] Approaching the final stages of the regular season, Appleby was signed by parent affiliate, the New York Islanders, to a two-year, two-way contract on April 9, 2021.[11]
As a free agent from the Islanders organization, Appleby was signed to a one-year AHL contract with the Charlotte Checkers, affiliate to the Florida Panthers, on July 2, 2024.[12]
