The 2024 NHL Draft is now within the rearview mirror, and it was one to recollect. This yr, somewhat than internet hosting the draft at T-Cellular Area, residence of the Vegas Golden Knights, they opted for the Sphere, which lies lower than a mile off the strip.
The NHL made historical past as the primary sporting occasion to be held on the Sphere, with the UFC following go well with later this yr. It was a historic draft for normal supervisor Invoice Armstrong and the Utah Hockey Membership (quickly to be Yeti?) as they got here away with 11 gamers of their first draft in franchise historical past. Additionally they traded for famous person defensemen Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino, who will each anchor Utah’s blue line in 2024-25.
Associated: Utah: Sergachev & Iginla Spotlight Invoice Armstrong’s Large Draft in Vegas
With free company kicking off yesterday, Utah was anticipated to make some noise, contemplating they nonetheless had cash to spend and spots to fill. They signed Ian Cole, Kevin Stenlund, and Kevin Connauton, which added some depth. Listed here are 5 ideas after Utah wrapped up its large draft weekend and what’s to return with free company and signings.
1. Iginla, Beaudoin Spotlight Utah’s 11 Participant Haul From 2024 Draft
Utah chosen 11 gamers via seven rounds, together with two first-round picks. Tig Iginla highlighted the primary spherical, and rightfully so – because the sixth general choose, he went 5 picks larger than his father, Jarome Iginla. It was a heartfelt second, and Iginla has all of the instruments to change into a first-line winger. His ceiling is that prime, and he might change into superb in a short time.
Utah additionally chosen Cole Beaudoin from the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League, the place he had 62 factors in 64 video games final season, however what seemingly attracted Armstrong to him is that he’s a two-way middle. Along with his physicality and puck management, he could possibly be an ideal third-line middle down the street, relying on how he develops.
Contemplating the group’s want for protection, the early picks had been complicated, however the Sergachev commerce clarified that on day two. Utah additionally chosen defensemen Will Skahan, Tomas Lavoie, Veeti Vaisanen, Gregor Biber, Ales Cech, and Ludvig Lafton, and in addition to the 2 first-round picks, in addition they took forwards Gabe Smith, Owen Allard, and Vojtech Hradec.
It’s extraordinary to make two blockbuster trades whereas giving up lots of draft capital and nonetheless drafting 11 gamers, however Armstrong did it, making it look simple.
2. Sergachev Commerce Provides Utah a Reliable High-Pair Defenseman
The previous Arizona Coyotes lacked a top-pairing defenseman, courting again to their 2012 Western Convention run. That’s to not discredit gamers like Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Keith Yandle, who had been the go-to gamers within the desert, however the group by no means had an Adam Fox or Victor Hedman, an elite blue line expertise who can do all of it. That modified when Armstrong pulled the set off, buying and selling highly-touted prospect Conor Geekie, J.J. Moser, a 2025 second-round choose, and a 2024 seventh-round choose (199) for Sergachev.
The transfer was a whole shock, given the place Utah is of their rebuild. We knew they’d patch up the blue line, because it desperately wanted assist after final season’s exhibiting, however including a two-time Stanley Cup champion in Sergachev wasn’t the anticipated transfer. Shedding Geekie, who had a really promising season with the Wennache Wild and a fan-favourite prospect, confused many, however including Sergachev is sensible.
His resume speaks for itself; he’s a world-class expertise and can instantly give Utah a number-one defenseman for years to return, as he’s nonetheless simply 26. He’ll enter the 2024-25 season with lots to show because the number-one blueliner.
3. Durzi Indicators Extension – Overpaid or Simply Proper?
Final summer time, Armstrong’s resolution to including an offensive-minded defenseman was subsequent door in Los Angeles: Sean Durzi. He was acquired for a second-round choose, and final season, he had heaps to show because the go-to participant in Arizona. Evidently, he made essentially the most of it, recording 9 objectives and 41 factors in 76 video games. He simply signed a four-year deal price $6 million and is now cemented onto Utah’s blue line.
Many followers jumped the gun, overreacting to the deal, saying he was overpaid for what he produced final season. I’d argue the latter, as Durzi is just 25 and will likely be enjoying his finest years in Utah with this deal. To not point out, he has the potential to be an important defensive pairing with Sergachev. His contract matches completely with what Armstrong is constructing, particularly contemplating the rising wage cap.
4. Utah Provides Depth As Cole Inks One-Yr, $3.1 Million Deal
Armstrong additionally added Marino from the New Jersey Devils, sending two second-round picks the opposite method. Marino will seemingly discover a function within the prime 4, solidifying the group’s want on protection. Nonetheless, they might use depth, one thing each group might use, particularly late within the season when the 82 video games begin to catch as much as gamers and, in fact, accidents.
That’s why Utah went out and signed Ian Cole to a one-year deal price $3.1 million. He provides depth and expertise, one thing a few of the youthful gamers might use, not solely on the blue line. A Josh Doan or Logan Cooley might study so much from a participant like Cole. It’s solely a one-year deal, so there’s little to no danger right here. It is sensible, given the place the group is trending and with the additions of Sergachev and Marino.
5. Former Panther Stenlund Provides Grit & Expertise on Two-Yr Deal
Along with Cole, Armstrong additionally signed Kevin Stenlund, who’s coming off successful the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers. Stenlund inked a two-year deal price $2 million, which, just like Cole, is risk-free as an important depth addition to the group.
Final season with the Panthers, he performed totally on the third or fourth line, offering 11 objectives and 15 factors in 81 video games. He isn’t identified for his dynamic goal-scoring skill or his dangles via the offensive zone; he’s extra of a faceoff-winning machine who can play on the penalty kill. Particular groups are crucial, which the Coyotes discovered final season.
Stenlund provides expertise and grit to a group that discovered the significance of depth final season after coping with fixed accidents.
What to Count on From Armstrong as Free Company Strikes Alongside
After in the future, Armstrong made some respectable strikes, though they received’t change the group’s path. He’s not signing huge fish like Steven Stamkos or Brandon Montour, who merely don’t match the timeline or the path the group goes in. Signing Stenlund and Cole is sensible and doesn’t exceed the $4 million mark, which is usually the place errors are made. Armstrong understands that and is enjoying the lengthy recreation as he’s accomplished since he was employed as GM of the Coyotes. His philosophy received’t change now that they’re in Utah, however with the additions of Sergachev, Marino, Iginla, and Beaudoin, the longer term is vibrant within the 801, which ought to see a really aggressive, younger, and relentless group subsequent season.
