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With the NHL Trade Deadline only four days away, the rumor mill is heating up. For the Utah Hockey Club, there are a lot of rumors circulating around them. They are in the hunt for a wild card spot and will want to improve their team to push themselves into that final spot.
On the latest episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed his thoughts on what each NHL team will do ahead of the deadline. When he got to Utah, he had a lot to say, so let's get into it.
Utah HC Have Interesting Trade Deadline Pieces
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Utah Ready to Take a Big Swing
Friedman highlighted his thoughts on Utah by saying he believes they are going to take a big swing. He did say he isn't sure if it'll happen at the deadline or in the summer. However, he did mention that if Mikko Rantanen hits the open market, they will likely take a run at him.
Decisions with Their Pending UFAs
Friedman also mentioned that Utah will be making decisions on their pending UFAs in the coming days. This includes Nick Bjugstad, Alex Kerfoot, Michael Carcone, Ian Cole, Olli Määttä, Robert Bortuzzo, and Karel Vejmelka.
If they keep winning and stay in the thick of the wild card race, they may opt to hold on to more of their UFAs to try and make a run at their first playoff appearance in franchise history.
Crouse on the Move?
Lastly, Lawson Crouse could be a name that is on the move. Friedman made sure to mention that the team wants to get bigger up front, which would make sense to keep Crouse since he is a big-bodied forward.
Personally, I don't expect Crouse to be dealt at the deadline, but he could be an option in the summer.
Keep it locked here for more Utah news as we count down to the NHL Trade Deadline.