Utah Hockey Club have made some big moves earlier today. More recently, they’ve traded for former New Jersey Devils defenceman, John Marino. In this trade, Utah also received the 153rd pick of the 2024 draft. In exchange, the Devils receive two draft picks. The 49th pick of this draft and have selected goaltender Mikhail Yegorov. As well as a second-round pick in 2025.
The @utahhockeyclub isn’t done; they’ve also acquired John Marino from New Jersey!#UtahHC | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/guJu3HlBOR
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) June 29, 2024
Utah HC Mean Business with Marino Trade
The first NHL draft in Utah‘s franchise history has been eventful. On the first day of the draft, they made their first-ever selection and picked Tij Iginla at No. 6. On the second day, Utah’s General Manager, Bill Armstrong made a major acquisition to start the day. They’ve traded for Tampa Bay defenceman, Mikhail Sergachev. Utah HC owner, Ryan Smith was not done there as they made a trade for Marino to complete a defence pairing. These trades indicate that Utah is looking to be a bit more competitive than the Arizona Coyotes were in the past.
What’s Next for New Jersey?
Over the last two seasons, Marino has been a key roster player for the Devils. Now that he’s gone, there is a gaping hole in their defence. Marino carried $4.4M against New Jersey’s cap, however, since he’s gone that leaves room for General Manager, Tom Fitzgerald to make some moves in free agency. There have been many rumours in the Garden State regarding Brett Pesce. The Carolina Hurricanes have far too many elite players that need new contracts and Pesce is one of them. The Devils are looking to be a playoff team one again as they had a rough campaign last year. Now, they’ve acquired a new goaltender in Jacob Markstrom and a new coach in Sheldon Keefe. Also, defenceman Dougie Hamilton might feature in next season, which will almost feel like an acquisition after missing most of last season.
Main photo by: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
