SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 08: Clayton Keller #9 of Utah Hockey Club celebrates his first period goal against the Chicago Blackhawks at Delta Center on October 08, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This game is the first for the franchise in Utah following their relocation from Arizona. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Over the last 10 games, the Utah Hockey Club has been one of the hottest teams in the NHL. With three-straight wins and seven in their last 10, the team appears to have discovered an identity and are currently playing their best hockey of the season. According to captain Clayton Keller, several things have made a big difference in altering the team’s potential.
Stepping into year four of the rebuild, Utah’s front office was more proactive this past offseason as they looked to make some impactful new additions.
On top of their home run trade for Mikhail Sergachev and acquiring John Marino, Utah also signed veteran defenseman Ian Cole, recent Stanley Cup Champion Kevin Stenlund and former Stanley Cup Champion Robert Bortuzzo.
Related: Regrading Utah Hockey Club’s Summer Trade For Sergachev
Following several injuries to the blue line, the club also traded for another decorated veteran in Olli Maatta earlier this season.
With so many new faces, Utah clearly added a plethora of experienced players who all know what it takes to win and have made a huge impact.
Keller on Utah’s potential & the vet’s impact: “It’s a completely different team & we’re in a different direction. So, it’s exciting…We brought in some guys that have won Stanley Cups…when times are tough, they’re the ones that have been through stuff like that & step up…” pic.twitter.com/myh5PpwufH
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 20, 2024
“It’s a completely different team and we’re in a different direction. So, it’s exciting. We’ve been playing some good hockey, and we have a long way to go but we’ve been taking some steps in right direction,” Keller said.
“We brought in some guys that have won Stanley Cups. Guys that have been around a long time, been on successful teams and they’re here to add a lot on the ice but off the ice as well. They’ve been awesome additions to our team. When the times are tough, they’re the ones that have been through stuff like that and step up, talk about it, and help us get through it.”
While Sergachev has made such an obvious impact, the other’s contributions cannot be overlooked as the defensemen have surpassed expectations to hold down the blue line amid so many injuries and Stenlund has been a clutch offensive presence as of late.
This season, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther have taken their games to a whole new level which has greatly elevated the team’s success.
Looking back at last year, Cooley finished the 2023-24 campaign with 20 goals and 24 assists in 82 appearances while Guenther had 18 goals and 17 assists in 45 games.
Through just 31 contests this season, Guenther has a team-high 14 goals with 16 assists while Cooley leads the team with 21 assists in addition to his seven goals.
According to Keller, he’s not been surprised by their elite performances and progression whatsoever.
Clayton Keller on Cooley & Guenther’s progression: “I’m not surprised at all. I saw from day one they were both super talented. Both had a special mindset and love for the game. It was only a matter of time they were going to be great players for a long time…”#UtahHC pic.twitter.com/8PiedfyEHR
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) December 20, 2024
“I’m not surprised at all,” Keller said. “I saw from day one they were both super talented. Both had a special mindset and love for the game. It was only a matter of time they were going to be great players for a long time.”
“It’s great being on the same team with them. We’ve got some chemistry on the power play and it’s cool to play with those guys.”
As of late, the two have emerged as two of Utah’s best players. With four wins in the last five games, Guenther has contributed four goals and four assists while Cooley has one goals and six assists during that stretch.
Utah has clearly struck gold with these two young stars and their continued development will take the team to new heights.
Before their OT victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, the Utah Hockey Club was 1-10-3 when trailing after the second period.
However, in addition to their impressive response to beat the best road team in the NHL and overcome the odds, Utah has constructed a collection of strong responses in recent wins among adversity.
“It’s good. It shows that we’re learning from our mistakes prior. We’ve talked about them before and addressed them a bunch. So, it’s good to see us, you know, sometimes it may not happen right away. But if you stick with it, keep doing the little things, and eventually the tide will turn,” Keller explained following the win over Vancouver.
“I’m happy with how we battled through some adversity tonight and got the two points.”
An NHL season generally consists of highs and lows, but success is often based upon how teams can respond to adversity. Just a few weeks ago, Utah lacked the ability to respond to said adversity which resulted in some heartbreaking losses.
But as of late they’ve flipped the script and are now picking up critical wins in pursuit of a playoff spot.
The Utah Hockey Club will now travel to Minnesota to face the Wild on Friday night. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
