Everything happened pretty quick last season for Utah. In a matter of weeks rumors circulated that the state could add an NHL team and the next thing you know a new management group is asking potential fans for name suggestions of the new franchise.
For the Utah Hockey Club, first impressions only come once. The Arizona Coyotes might have been a team that has only made the playoffs once since 2012 if we include the COVID-19 play-in postseason, but Utah has a fresh start with the roster.
The Utah Hockey Club should make a big addition going into the 2024-25 NHL season.
It is no secret that the Columbus Blue Jackets and Patrik Laine are looking for a fresh start. Laine was traded from Winnipeg to Columbus during the 2020-21 NHL season and things just have not worked out for the former second overall pick in 2016. Over the course of four years, Laine has registered 64 goals and 138 points in 174 games in Columbus.
Utah should take a gamble on Laine bouncing back with a fresh start.
Laine registered 44 goals in 2017-18 at the age of just 19. Goals are always hard to come by in the NHL, and if Utah can add a legitimate goal scorer like Laine they will be better off for it.
The big news surrounding Utah at the NHL draft came with the big acquisitions of Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning and John Marino from the New Jersey Devils.
Those additions bolstered Utah's blue line, and an acquisition of Laine could help bolster the forward group.
According to Puck Pedia, Utah currently has almost $10 million in cap space heading into the season. Laine carries a cap hit of $8.7 million through the 2025-26 NHL season. Team Utah could manage a Laine addition without needing Columbus to retain much salary if any, which would make a trade for Laine relatively inexpensive return wise.
Utah is looking to make an impact this upcoming season. While Laine might be a gamble, it is a gamble that could energize the new fan base in 2024-25.