Utah already has a fan favourite in Liam O'Brien, they need to bring him back next season
Often, there are players on sports teams who may not be the flashiest or the most skilled, but they provide a service. In hockey, the service tends to be grit, toughness, and personality.
I'd like to introduce you to Liam O'Brien, also known as Spicy Tuna, Utah fans. He is just that; he is hard to play against, sticks up for his teammates, and is often described as the engine of the team.
Utah owners Ryan and Ashley Smith have made it clear that this team is going to be aggressive this offseason, both on the open market and in the trade market. They want to be as good as they can to ensure they fill seats and give their fans the best possible product they can.
Remember, this is all new territory. Salt Lake City saw hockey at the Olympics in 2002, but they haven't seen NHL-calibre hockey. The Smiths must give the fans the best possible version of this new team that they can.
With that said, they need character players in the mix. The move to a new city in one off-season is extremely stressful, so it would help to have a player or two to help take the edge off.
O'Brien can provide the organization with that service. He is a locker-room guy who is loved by his teammates and hated by his opponents. Although he isn't the biggest player on the team, he makes his teammates feel a bit larger on the ice with his ability to stand up for them.
Utah and O'Brien likely will have a mutual interest in one another, which will make the contract negotiations easier. O'Brien's AAV won't be more than $1 million per season, and with his impact on the roster, Utah should offer him a two-year deal.