Has Utah HC made enough improvements to become a playoff team?
On the latest episode of The Hockey News' Wraparound Show, hosts Michael Traikos and Jacob Stoller delved into whether the Utah Hockey Club has done enough to secure a spot in the playoffs.
Traikos said he keeps waiting for the team to make a splash on offense, mentioning Patrik Laine as a potential target for the team.
Stoller seconded Traikos' thoughts on Laine, adding he believes the team will "stay patient until opportunities arise."
Even so, it's widely agreed the team is set to emerge as a serious contender for the playoffs in the near future, given their young and skilled lineup is anticipated to achieve its highest level.
Utah boasts young, promising players, such as Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Sean Durzi and Josh Doan, with recent additions Tij Iginla and Cole Beaudoin elevating the team's talent pool. They can potentially become the next Tampa Bay Lightning, a perennial contender in the NHL for the next decade.
However, achieving this goal demands considerable patience, a trait not commonly found among NHL fan bases. This is exactly why GM Bill Armstrong made strategic moves to acquire Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino, rebuilding the blueline and sustaining fan engagement over the next couple of seasons.
The players and hockey operations staff hadn't made it to the playoffs since the 2020 post-season and had to endure the gruelling arena saga with the Arizona Coyotes. Despite facing numerous challenges, Armstrong and the team remained steadfast in their strategy to rebuild the team from within through the draft.
Through these trials, the organization has begun recognizing the potential for success. In Utah, there's an ownership group dedicated to spending enough to maximize the roster. That with an emerging fan base has created positive momentum heading into Utah's inaugural campaign. Perhaps the team could surpass expectations and secure a playoff spot after all.
Even if it doesn't happen, Utah fans have no cause for concern. The team is well-positioned to become a dominant force in the NHL in the next few seasons, and by then, it will have its new permanent name and brand.
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