Good teams check well, Utah needs a good checking line to compete in the West
Utah is a very unique team this offseason; they have $43 million in cap space and a handful of roster spots available for next season.
One area that they should look to improve upon is their bottom-six forward group. More specifically, a solid checking line that can play on their third or fourth line.
A good checking line can have a large impact on a team because they are typically some of the most relied-upon players. They are used in shutdown roles, forechecking roles, or for an energy boost.
A team must have a good checking line that can uplift an entire team, and last season Utah/Arizona didn't have a very successful one. This off-season, they have a chance to change that by targeting two more forwards to play alongside Alex Kerfoot.
A few options are:
- Teddy Blueger
- William Carrier
- Dakota Joshua
- Sam Lafferty
- Sammy Blais
This year's free agency class is filled with very talented bottom six players. The five names listed above are my personal favourites for Utah to target to improve their checking line.
Typically, these types of lines don't have many household names, but over the season, fans grow to love them because they give it their all every shift.
Utah already has Liam O'Brien, who is likely to be re-signed, which means they can also use a few of these players on the fourth line in a more defensive and physical role.
Regardless, it seems the key to every good team in the NHL consists of a good defensive core and a very good checking line. It has been used with the Vegas Golden Knights, the Tampa Bay Lightning, and now with both the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. If Utah can copy their roster styles, they will have success quickly.