NHL Rumors: Utah Looking To Stay Aggressive & Continue To Bolster Roster

Friday, October 18, 2024

The Utah Hockey Club, under general manager Bill Armstrong, are looking to stay aggressive in building a competitive roster following a busy offseason, as reported by Jim Biringer of RG.org. 

After acquiring key defensemen Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning and John Marino from the New Jersey Devils, Armstrong emphasized the importance of constructing a team capable of long-term success. 

“We’re always looking and listening as we are a competitive club that wants to get better every day,” Armstrong said. With Utah now in the fourth year of its rebuild, the focus is on improving the team without rushing development, using a mix of young talent and experienced players.

Armstrong’s strategy centers on adding players in the 24-28 age range, noting that "50% of a Stanley Cup team is traded for." 

This offseason, the acquisitions of Sergachev and Sean Durzi, both 26, reflect this approach. Armstrong believes that balancing the development of homegrown talent with trades is key to building a championship-caliber roster, similar to recent Stanley Cup-winning teams like the Florida Panthers. 

With plenty of draft picks and prospects in the pipeline, Armstrong is prepared to make big decisions down the stretch to keep the team on its upward trajectory, particularly as the NHL Trade Deadline approaches.

Despite a strong 3-1 start to the season, Armstrong remains patient and focused on the long-term plan. Injuries, such as Marino’s absence and now a long-term injury for Durzi, haven’t deterred the team’s progress, and Armstrong is confident in the groundwork laid for future success. 

“We’ve still got some picks to go, but we’ll have to make tough decisions about moving out players and making trades down the stretch,” Armstrong explained. 

Photo Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images



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