Post by Utah HC on Sept 20, 2024 18:34:40 GMT -6
After an unsuccessful season which saw the pro team miss the playoffs and the minor league team lose in the first round, we check in to see what changes have been made. The most significant of which is the team being moved to Utah. Now playing in the Delta Center, also home of the Utah Jazz, the team has declined to decide on a name it's first season in Utah. They have decided to milk the marketing machine by having one season with the Utah HC moniker, and then taking a new name next season. With a 16,200 seat capacity, Utahn's will get to enjoy a slightly different product than what left Arizona, but the same management team in charge, so who knows whether any change will result.
Offense:
In: Alexander Wennberg, Dominik Kubalik, Matias Maccelli
On the bubble: Klim Kostin, Mattias Janmark, Artturi Lehkonen, Keegan Kolesar, Max Domi,
Out: Kevin Stenlund, Yakov Trenin, Nicolas Deslaurier
Defense:
In : Dmitry Orlov
Out : Rasmus Ristolainen, Justin Schultz
Goal:
In: Alex Nedeljkovic, Cayden Primeau
Out: Karel Vejmelka
An offense that was completely dependent on the duo of Dylan Larkin and Vladimir Tarasenko, added some punch in the form of the promotion of 104 pt minor leaguer Matias Maccelli. Dominik Kubalik was signed to hopefully add something to the Larkin/Tarasenko duo, his 55 points would have ranked 3rd on the team last season. Also added in free agency is Alex Wennberg, who's 36 points would have ranked 4 on the team last season. More depth up front will see competition amongst the bottom 6 for the final few roster slots.
On defense, the team returns 5 of the regulars from last season, with the addition of Orlov to round out the top 6. Some internal improvement will hopefully come with experience. Justin Schultz will return to the minors, and be joined by youngsters Ty Emberson and Emil Lilleberg as possible call ups if needed.
In goal, Carey Price appears to be the odd man out, as newcomer Alex Nedeljkovic appears to be the starter, and a spectacular offseason appears to put Primeau in the backup position.
A late offseason coaching change saw Todd McLelland shown the door, and Scott Arniel promoted to the pro team. Drew Bannister was added to the Tuscon team as the new head coach replacing Arniel.
All in all, some change, but without some internet improvement amongst the defensive systems, it could be a long year for the monikerless Utah team.
