Utah's Carcone Testing Free Agency This Summer

The Utah Hockey Club is on the rise, but they aren't taking everybody with them. Michael Carcone told reporters in his exit meeting that he will test free agency and isn't interested in re-signing with the team.

Carcone had played 30 games in the NHL prior to last season, then broke out at age 27 for 21 goals and 29 points. While his shooting percentage of 18.9 was definitely high last season, he still had a solid shooting percentage in limited action the prior two seasons. This season was definitely different, with not only opportunity, but finishing ability.

Carcone did what he did last season in 74 games, but was limited to just 53 games this season and scored seven goals and 19 points. While his ice time was about the same as he's a bottom-6 player, his playing time wasn't consistent in the latter half of the season. That's something he's looking for moving forward.

Utah should be just fine as they have a great deal of young and talented players filling the lineup, a reason for why Carcone was pushed down and out.

Carcone shouldn't have a tough time finding a place to play next season as I do believe he is an NHL player with some offensive upside. You don't score over 20 goals in a season by accident. It appears as though he just needs a new situation and the right one to once again thrive. It remains to be seen which teams will be interested and if he'll sign a contract on the first day of free agency.