NHL Utah's Battered Blueline Sends Them Into The Trade Market
Sean Durzi
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
This NHL season is only over two weeks old, but injuries are already taking a toll on the Utah Hockey Club's defense corps.
On Wednesday, the club announced Sean Durzi will miss four to six months following surgery on his right shoulder earlier this week. Meanwhile, John Marino is expected to be out for three to four months following a procedure on his back.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman observed their absences put a big dent on the right side of Utah's blueline, though Michael Kesselring's emergence partially offsets that issue.
Friedman indicated that Utah management doesn't want to make panicky, quick-fix trades. Nevertheless, they're monitoring the trade market for potential blueline options.
TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports Utah GM Bill Armstrong checked into the availability of Columbus Blue Jackets rearguard Ivan Provorov. The 27-year-old Provorov is slated to become a UFA in July and could be in demand by the March 7 trade deadline. LeBrun indicated the Jackets aren't ready yet to part with him.
Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun suggested Timothy Liljegren of the Maple Leafs could be enticing for Utah. The 25-year-old right-shot defenseman has a frequent healthy scratch and the subject of trade rumors since the start of the season.
Utah has over $8.2 million in salary-cap space, so it can easily afford Liljegren, who carries an average annual value of $3 million through 2025-26. However, LeBrun believes Liljegren isn't that appealing to Utah HC because he has term remaining on his contract.
Michael Carcone could be a trade chip for Armstrong to dangle for a defenseman. The 28-year-old forward is earning $775,000 this season on an expiring contract.
Carcone tallied 21 goals last season but was a healthy scratch in five of Utah's first eight games. Friedman believes another club could give him a roster spot if he can't secure one with Utah.
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