There’s been a lot of speculation about what the Utah Hockey Club should do with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
It’s no secret that GM Bill Armstrong wants to make this team better now and push for a playoff spot. But the big question is—at what cost? Should they move the pick or keep it?
For me, the answer is simple: keep the pick and use it to land a future top-six player while maximizing cap space in free agency.
That fourth overall selection gives them a chance to add another high-end talent who can grow alongside guys like Tij Iginla and Cole Beaudoin. And with how strong the top five of this class looks, it just doesn’t make a ton of sense to give that up.
Here are a few names that could be on Utah’s radar at #4:
- Porter Martone – Brampton (OHL)
- Caleb Desnoyers – Moncton (QMJHL)
- James Hagens – Boston (NCAA)
- Michael Misa – Saginaw (OHL)
- Anton Frondell – Djurgardens IF J20 (J20 Nationell)
The odds of Misa being available at four are slim, but depending on how the teams ahead of them draft, it’s not impossible. Beyond him, any of the others could turn into big-time NHL contributors.
Trading the pick should only be an option if it means landing a true star—a player who can come in right now and significantly move the needle. Otherwise, it’s just not worth it.
Stick with the pick, add a potential core piece, and then get aggressive in free agency. That’s the best path forward for Utah.
