Utah swaps Jenik for Sokolov in minor league deal
On July 3rd, the Utah Hockey Club and Ottawa Senators pulled off a minor league trade.
Utah acquired forward Egor Sokolov for forward Jan Jenik. Essentially, swapping minor league forwards will give them a change of scenery and a new opportunity to make the NHL. It is worth noting that both players are restricted free agents and will need to be signed.
But who is Sokolov? He isn't the most household name, so to the average NHL fan, let's get into who he is and what he brings to Utah's organization.
Sokolov, 24, was drafted in 2020 with the 61st overall pick by the Senators.
The Russian native has spent the last four seasons in the AHL with the Senators' affiliate club, the Belleville Senators. In those four seasons, he produced very well offensively. He has collected 180 points in 240 games but hasn't truly been given a solid chance in the NHL.
In three NHL games, he has one goal and one assist. Given his point-producing history in the AHL, Sokolov may be given a chance at the NHL level with Utah.
Sokolov can score goals as well as dish the puck for assists. During his time in the AHL, his career high came in 2022–23, when he got his NHL opportunity. He had 21 goals and 38 assists for 59 points in 70 games. If he can replicate that during his time in Utah's organization, he will likely be given another chance at the NHL level.