It’s time for another batch of fresh NHL rumours. We’re just days away from the start of free agency on July 1. However, there’s the NHL Draft in Las Vegas this weekend. Teams are lining up to reshape their rosters via trade or draft picks. One team that’s doing a complete makeover is the Utah Hockey Club. The newly-minted franchise is the focus of this edition of NHL rumours.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Utah Hockey Club Wants Top-Four Defender
Analysis: David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that the Utah franchise is looking at landing a big-time defenceman.
Utah is making some noise and is actively shopping for a top-pair defenceman by the sounds of it. Something to keep an eye on this week.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 26, 2024
Rumour: Utah is looking to hit the ground running in its first year in Salt Lake City. Gone are the days of being a team that barely spent like they did when they were the Arizona Coyotes. Owner Ryan Smith said he won’t be afraid to be aggressive in free agency.
This means that Utah is going to try to remake its roster. The Coyotes had some good young prospects, but not a lot of big-name players. However, it’s a new day for the yet-to-be-named team. One of the most pressing needs for the team is improving its defence. There are a few holes in the roster, but defence seems to be something Utah wants to address quickly according to Pagnotta.
Hey, Big Spender
There are a number of ways that it could be done. Players like Brandon Montour and others are available in free agency. Utah General Manager Bill Armstrong does have the luxury of nearly $43 million in cap space before long-term injured reserve allowances. Armstrong will probably be smart about how he deploys the teams funds. However, he’s got more money to play with than most general managers in the league. He can probably afford to be a bit aggressive when it comes to offering money.
It’s been speculated that the team will offer short to mid-term deals with a bit more money to set the youngsters up for success. The team does have some great young players like Logan Cooley and others. However, Utah doesn’t want to be saddled with bad deals when the prospect group grows into bonafide NHL stars.
Let’s Make a Deal
The Fourth Period also reported that Utah may be open to dealing the six overall pick. Pagnotta and Anthony Di Marco said that Armstrong is willing to deal the six overall selection to score a defenceman or scoring winger.
Utah’s general manager has been given the green-light to make things happen. Using the sixth overall pick as part of a trade package could really be something the team needs. However, Utah is just one of the number of teams that are entertaining the idea of using a top draft choice as part of a trade. The Fourth Period reported that the Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils are willing to part with a draft pick via trade.
The new franchise is eyeing a Stanley Cup Playoff appearance for its first year in Utah. There’s a lot of work to be done, but the franchise has plenty of money and picks at their disposal.
Main photo by: Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports
