Utah Hockey Club Signs Karel Vejmelka & Ian Cole To Extensions

The Utah Hockey Club is staying busy. After signing Alex Kerfoot to a contract extension, they have now done the same with goaltender Karel Vejmelka and defenseman Ian Cole.

Vejmelka's extension is a five-year, $23.75 million ($4.75 million AAV) deal, while Cole's is a one-year, $3 million contract.

Utah has also re-signed goalie Karel Vemejlka to a five-year contract x $4.75M AAV per season
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 6, 2025

Vejmelka, 28, is in the middle of his best NHL season so far this campaign with Utah. In 38 games, he has a 16-16-4 record, a .910 save percentage, and a 2.45 goals-against average. With this, he is on pace to have the best SV% and GAA of his four-year NHL career.

Overall, Vejmelka has taken his game to a new level this season, so it is not surprising in the slightest that Utah has decided to keep him around. He will now continue to be a key part of their roster over the next four years because of it.

As for Cole, the 36-year-old has been a solid part of Utah's blueline this season. In 61 games this campaign, the 6-foot-1 defenseman has one goal, 13 points, 73 hits, and 160 blocks. Overall, he has been a steady shutdown defenseman for Utah, so it is understandable that they have decided to keep him around. Cole's deal offers very little risk, too, as it is only a one-year extension and at a reasonable cap hit.

Signed and sealed. ✍️

We are thrilled to sign defenseman Ian Cole to a one-year contract extension.

📰: https://t.co/v8A2VmaYuZ pic.twitter.com/3yE9kxbdWY
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) March 6, 2025