Report: Utah's Michael Carcone becoming prime trade candidate

While Utah HC deals with a couple of significant injuries to their back end, losing both Sean Durzi and John Marino for months, it turns out their forward is a little crowded, and an early-season trade could be on the horizon.

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Utah's Michael Carcone is a player to watch, who could be a candidate for a change of scenario at some point this season.

Utah is determined not to do something that causes 10 years of pain in the absences of Sean Durzi (four-to-six months) and John Marino (three-to-four months) No panic, short-term moves. Another situation to watch is Michael Carcone. Scored 21 goals last season; no points in three games this year, and the Utahns are deep up-front. One stats person regularly badgers me about goals/points per-60 minutes. Carcone was sixth in the NHL last year, at 1.46. Someone will give him a spot if he can’t find one here.

Carcone has averaged just over 11 minutes of ice-time through his first three appearances, and has yet to record a point. He's registered two shots on goal, and three hits, through his first three games. Last season, Carcone recorded a career-high 21 goals in 74 games, however was nominated for the 'Cy Young', with only eight assists on the year.

Utah has aspirations to do great things in their first season, and without Durzi and Marino for a big chunk of the season, is certainly going to make things an uphill climb for the NHL's newest franchise. Look for GM Bill Armstrong to be involved in early-season trade talks, with potential for adding some help on defense, while potentially involving Carcone in the deal.