It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re a week away from the start of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoff Finals. However, there’s plenty of chatter surrounding the teams that are on the golf course. One of those teams that could be active in the summer is the new Utah Hockey Club. The team is no longer cash-strapped like they were when they were the Arizona Coyotes. What does this mean for the summertime? Today’s NHL rumours focuses on the Utah Hockey Club and what they may do this offseason.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Utah Hockey Club to Be Aggressive This Window
Rumour: TSN NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun joined Jay Onrait on a recent edition of SportsCentre. The duo discussed a number of topics. However, Utah’s free agency gameplan was one of the main talking points.
Analysis: There’s a lot of buzz in Salt Lake City, Utah surrounding the franchise this offseason. Everything from the name to the uniforms is being speculated on. LeBrun even quipped that the name would be bigger news than if they got Auston Matthews. (The Yeti and Mammoth were two of the names as potential choices according to owner Ryan Smith.) However, we’ll focus on what the free agency plan may be for the yet-unnamed team.
General Manager Bill Armstrong said the team wouldn’t be like a “drunken sailor” when it comes to spending. The team will try to use its space to its advantage. However, Utah won’t be making it snow money to prospective free agents unless it’s the right fit. The team does have over $40 million in available cap space, but they want to be smart about it. LeBrun pointed out they want to be flexible when the core group is ready to take the next step.
Getting Defensive
One need that Armstrong needs to address is the need to bolster its blueline group. Utah doesn’t have any NHL-level defencemen under contract at this time. Those holes in the lineup will need to be filled during the summer. Sean Durzi is a restricted free agent, but has gotten asked about by a number of teams. Durzi is also eligible for arbitration this offseason.
There are a number of unrestricted free agent targets like Brandon Montour, Dylan DeMelo, Sean Walker, and others that could be seeking a hefty contract from the cash-flush franchise. Landing a top-pair defender or two would be critical in getting Utah moving in the right direction.
Short-Term Gain vs Long-Term Value
LeBrun mentioned that the team might be willing to offer higher average cap hits, but with shorter terms. This tactic is going to be used to help fill out the roster. Utah knows it might have to flash some extra cash in order to lure players in. Someone like a Steven Stamkos could be enticed to head to the Beehive State if he wants one last big score before his career is over.
This will only be a short-term tactic at this time. As mentioned before, Armstrong said he doesn’t want to be hamstrung by large deals when this young group is ready to really challenge in the Central Division and Western Conference. There are a number of talented young players on this roster like Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and others. This group seem to be the cornerstones of a potential contender in a few year’s time.
Utah is going to be an intriguing player this coming offseason. There’s a lot of hype around the market and this owner wants to spend money. This club could be better sooner rather than later, but Armstrong needs to make the right moves this offseason.
Main photo by: Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports
