The Big Four Sports' season is (almost) over. Now it's time to officially prepare for the next one.
A wise prophet said, "Now is the time. Tomorrow might be too late."
With the Boston Celtics (finally!) winning their record 18th NBA championship last night, and the Florida Panthers one win from winning their first Stanley Cup, it means many teams will engage off-season mode.
The NHL Draft is now less than two weeks away, and free agency will kick off the new league year on July 1.
Regardless of those events, I am reminded of Kyle Shanahan's words to his 49ers squad prior to Super Bowl LIV:
"This [week leading up to the game] is the biggest jump you can get on them."
It carries more weight for players, especially Utah's Clayton Keller, coming off a 30-goal season, and Logan Cooley, who is primed for a breakout sophomore season.
Connor Ingram is now the solid no. 1 goaltender for Utah, and Lawson Crouse and Alex Kerfoot are going to be looked at as primary depth scorers.
And the defence, regardless of the changes made in free agency or through the draft, must find a way to galvanize each other.
Spencer and I have talked at length about what Utah can do, but in reality, those changes won't show without help from the others around them.
We know Andre Tourigny will do all he can to squeeze the best out of these players, but it will be up to them to respond.
Indeed, for the Utah Hockey Club, the time is now.
Tomorrow will be too late.