With the NHL trade deadline quickly approaching on March 7th, the Utah Hockey Club has some decisions to make. They are still six points back of a wild-card spot with just 25 games remaining. They have had their share of injuries to stymie their progression. Sean Durzi is back after an upper-body injury that sidelined him for 53 games. Utah has a surplus of defensemen and recently waived Juuso Valimaki, who had only two goals and three assists in 43 games.
Utah has no intention of being a seller and is fine waiting to see if they can qualify for the postseason. Per GM Bill Armstrong, “We’re right in the race. We’re right in the hunt. It’s kind of where we thought we’d be, to be honest with you. It’s what we always talked about, playing meaningful games and pushing to see if we get into the playoffs.”
“I like our team. I like our fight.”
The following players could be on the trading block:
Trevor Zegras – He would fit into the plan of Utah adding young, dynamic players. There is no doubt that he would bring fans through the turnstiles. He hasn’t lit the light much with just seven goals and nine assists in 34 games. Zegras has been hurt a bit, but the potential is attractive. What would it take to add Zegras? A big time prospect and an accomplished NHL’er. He has scored 20+ goals twice in his short career, so adding him would be a plus for the Utah Hockey Club.
Brock Boeser – The Utah Hockey Club is in the stage of a rebuild where it requires experienced, skilled players rather than draft picks — of which it has much to spare — and Boeser could supplement the leadership group both in experience and talent. He won’t come cheap at $6.65 million and will be an UFA in July. No doubt if he does go to free agency, Bill Armstrong will be calling him. Boeser seems to want to leave the drama in Vancouver and a fresh start in Utah could be great for both parties.
He tallied 40 goals and 73 points last season and could give Utah that offensive force it can use. Trading Maccelli and Crouse to Vancouver for Boeser could be an option.
Boeser has played with Nick Schmaltz at the University of North Dakota. A potential line of Clayton Keller, Boeser, and Schmaltz would be dynamic.
No doubt, the next week may give us all an indication of what the Utah Hockey Club intends to do going forward. Armstrong is a smart, accomplished hockey mind and he will do all he can to improve his team. The pieces are falling into place for this team to become a regular playoff hockey club. The fans are hoping to see their team in the postseason and if recent play is any indication, their hopes may come true.
If Utah makes it to the playoffs, the excitement of a new team name, logo and mascot will escalate to a crescendo. That’s what makes this sport so appealing.
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