After coming out swinging on the second day of the 2024 NHL Draft, the Utah Hockey Club has done some tidy work to lock up a few depth pieces.
So far, on the first day of free agency, Utah has locked up Ian Cole and Kevin Stenlund. Both are great depth options for the club that looks to become more competitive.
Cole's contract is a one-year deal with an AAV of $3.1 million.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner can help stabilize the back end for this team. Especially after the acquisitions of Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino
As for Kevin Stenlund, he has signed a two-year deal with an AAV of $2 million per season.
Stenlund will slide into Utah's lineup as a perfect third-line forward. He can play down the middle or on the wing and could end up being a good linemate with Alex Kerfoot as a two-way defensive line for Utah.
Lastly, Utah also signed depth defenseman Kevin Connauton to a two-year, two-way contract.
Connauton will likely take on the seventh defensemen role with Utah. He could also see time in the AHL but will be given a good look at training camp.
Utah still has $15 million in projected cap space and could still be in on a few other free agents. If not, they could be active in the trade market to cash in on a few other players.