Michael Carcone has three goals in three preseason games for Utah. Can he continue his hot stretch into the season? Let’s talk about his breakout season he had in 2023-2024 and what he will do this season.
Utah Forward Michael Carcone‘s Hot Preseason
Carcone’s goal scoring through three preseason games is a net positive for Utah. His ability to put the puck in the back of the net not only highlights the depth of Utah’s forward group but also makes him a clear frontrunner for reliability if one of their top forwards goes cold offensively.
While Carcone can put the puck in the back of the net, it would be nice to see him pass the puck a bit more. Eight assists in 74 games is a little less than what you’d like to see. He can become a really nice two-way forward if he can get those assists up this year.
Carcone Is a Bargain at the Rate He Produces
Carcone was only making $775,000 when he was a 20-goal scorer last season. To be fair, his career high in goals up until last year was four, so last year was the definition of a breakout year. If he puts up another 20-goal season, Utah should seriously consider giving him an extension. They’re forwards in the NHL that make way more than Carcone and put up similar production as him.
The extension wouldn’t have to be crazy high either. Maybe an AAV in the 2-3M dollar range? Only time will tell.
The Depth of Utah’s Forward Group Is Real
Carcone is listed as the fourth-line left winger on Daily Faceoff’s line combinations. To have a potential two-time 20 goal scorer playing on the fourth line is crazy. Carcone could improve on his 21 goals last season and move up to the third line, and no one should be surprised.
The thing about Carcone is that no one seems to talk about him, fair or unfair. He’s never going to get the recognition Clayton Keller or Logan Cooley get, but if he improves on his production, he should get more recognition.
Carcone Will Mesh With Josh Doan
Carcone will slot in somewhere in the bottom six. Along with that, rookie Josh Doan should slot in the same place down in the lineup. These two could produce a dynamic duo down in the Utah lineup. Doan, 22, appeared in 11 games at the end of last season and had nine points. The one thing that could get Doan going in his first full season is a pure goal scorer like Carcone on his line. It’s not confirmed if these two will be on a line together on Opening Night, but it should be considered.
The best thing for Doan would be to play on a line with players who can take some of the pressure off of him early in the season. The worst thing you can do as an organization is put too much pressure on a young player and ruin his development. Utah should start Doan in the bottom six, and if he does well, move him up and play him with forwards who bring out his strengths. Another reason Carcone would pair well with Doan is he would be the finisher of the line.
Doan wouldn’t have to worry about scoring goals and being flashy, because he would already have that. His focus going into his first season should be focusing on what he can bring to Utah and not worrying about if he will get sent down based on not performing well. He’s got a lot of potential, and Utah needs to play him consistently to maximize that potential.
Main Photo: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
