ROSTER RUNDOWN
Making the cut
With news that forward Nick Bjugstad and defenseman John Marino will be sidelined for a week or more due to upper-body injuries, opportunities could arise for several players on the roster. Cole Beaudoin has stood out to many observers, especially during the 2024 Rookie Faceoff. The 6-foot-2, 209-pound forward, selected with the No. 24 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, recorded 62 points (28 goals, 34 assists) in 67 games for Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League last season. Armstrong has commended the 18-year-old for his strong work ethic and the positive culture he fosters. Maveric Lamoureux, aged 20, is another contender to join the team, whether out of camp or later in the season. The 6-foot-6 defenseman, selected No. 29 in 2022, recently concluded a season with 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) over 39 games with Drummondville of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
Most intriguing addition
On June 29, Utah acquired defenseman Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning, enhancing a defense that was already being revamped with the addition of Marino from the New Jersey Devils. Sergachev, a 26-year-old Cup champion, has significant potential, being signed for another seven years and capable of serving as a No. 1 defenseman for an ascending team. Although he played only 34 games last season due to a knee injury, recording 19 points (two goals, 17 assists), he did return for two playoff games, where he contributed an assist.
Biggest potential surprise
Barrett Hayton represents just one of the many talented young players in Utah’s roster, but he has the potential to make a substantial impact after an injury-plagued season. Following a promising 2022-23 campaign in which he accumulated a career-high 43 points (19 goals, 24 assists) in 82 games, Hayton’s previous season was cut short as he appeared in only 33 games, totaling 10 points (three goals, seven assists). At 24 years old, he is well-positioned for a breakout, especially if he starts the season as the No. 1 center, flanked by Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz.
Ready to contribute
Josh Doan made a brief 11-game appearance at the tail end of the 2023-24 season, debuting on March 26, where he scored two goals for the team with which his father was synonymous for 20 years. Selected No. 37 in the 2021 NHL Draft, Doan capitalized on his limited opportunities, finishing with five goals and four assists. He appears ready to make a permanent jump after posting 46 points (26 goals, 20 assists) in 62 games for Tucson of the American Hockey League last season.
Fantasy sleeper
Guenther, F (average draft position: 177.0) – According to NHL EDGE statistics, Guenther was among the NHL leaders in average skating distance per 60 minutes at even strength, covering 10.16 miles (88th percentile) last season. His impressive late-season performance (23 points and 73 shots on goal in the last 23 games since March 1) alongside primarily Logan Cooley (ADP: 166.0) could significantly boost Utah’s chances for playoff contention, allowing each promising forward to exceed typical fantasy draft expectations. — Pete Jensen
PROJECTED LINEUP
Clayton Keller — Barrett Hayton — Nick Schmaltz
Lawson Crouse — Logan Cooley — Dylan Guenther
Matias Maccelli — Jack McBain – Josh Doan
Michael Carcone — Kevin Stenlund — Alex Kerfoot
Mikhail Sergachev — Sean Durzi
Juuso Valimaki — Robert Bortuzzo
Ian Cole – Michael Kesselring
Connor Ingram
Karel Vejmelka
Injured: Nick Bjugstad (upper-body), John Marino (upper-body)
Rising Stars and Key Additions: Utah’s Roster Rundown for the Upcoming Season
Utah’s Roster Overview
As the new season approaches, fans are buzzing with excitement about the potential of the Utah team. With a mix of rising stars and strategic key additions, the roster is shaping up to be a competitive one. This article delves into the standout players, recent signings, and what fans can expect in the upcoming season.
Key Players to Watch
Utah’s roster features talent that is set to make significant impacts this season. Here are some of the players fans should keep an eye on:
1. Star Player: Jordan Clarkson
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Key Stats: Averaged 18.4 points per game last season
- Overview: Clarkson’s scoring ability and playmaking skills make him a cornerstone of the team. His experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable.
2. Emerging Talent: Collin Sexton
- Position: Point Guard
- Key Stats: 16.0 points per game in his last season
- Overview: Sexton is known for his speed and agility. His growth as a playmaker will be crucial for Utah’s offensive strategy.
3. Defensive Anchor: Walker Kessler
- Position: Center
- Key Stats: 2.3 blocks per game
- Overview: Kessler’s presence in the paint makes him a key defensive asset. His ability to alter shots will help Utah maintain a strong defensive front.
Key Additions to the Team
This season, Utah has made several strategic additions aimed at enhancing their competitiveness. Here’s a rundown of the key signings:
1. John Collins
- Position: Power Forward
- Overview: Collins brings versatility to the forward position, capable of scoring inside and stretching the floor. His experience with the Atlanta Hawks will be beneficial.
2. Keegan Murray
- Position: Small Forward
- Overview: The young talent from Iowa has shown promise in his rookie season, and his addition adds depth to the wing position for Utah.
3. Chris Duarte
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Overview: Duarte, known for his shooting ability, is expected to provide scoring depth off the bench. His NBA experience will be crucial for team dynamics.
Rising Stars
The roster is not only composed of seasoned players; it also features several rising stars who are ready to make their mark this season:
1. Simone Fontecchio
- Position: Small Forward
- Overview: Fontecchio’s performance in the EuroLeague has made him a player to watch. His footwork and shooting touch are impressive, making him a valuable asset.
2. Lauri Markkanen
- Position: Power Forward
- Overview: After a breakout season, Markkanen has become a key player for Utah. His ability to stretch the floor with shooting and versatility will be critical.
3. Ochai Agbaji
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Overview: Agbaji’s college success at Kansas has translated well to the professional level. His three-point shooting and defensive skills will bolster the roster.
Projected Starting Lineup
Based on current player performances and recent additions, here’s Utah’s projected starting lineup for the upcoming season:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| PG | Collin Sexton |
| SG | Jordan Clarkson |
| SF | Simone Fontecchio |
| PF | John Collins |
| C | Walker Kessler |
Benefits of the New Roster
Utah’s new roster configuration presents several benefits for both players and fans:
- Increased Scoring Options: With players like Collins and Clarkson, the team can diversify their offensive strategies.
- Enhanced Defense: Kessler and Markkanen’s defensive capabilities provide a strong foundation for team defense.
- Player Development: The mix of veterans and young players creates opportunities for mentorship and growth.
Practical Tips for Fans
As the season kicks off, here are some practical tips for fans to enhance their experience and support the team:
- Attend Home Games: Show your support by attending games at the Vivint Smart Home Arena. The energy of the crowd can uplift the players!
- Engage on Social Media: Follow the team on social media to stay updated on player stats, game highlights, and exclusive content.
- Wear Team Merchandise: Donning team colors not only supports the players but also fosters a sense of community among fans.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
One dedicated Utah fan shared their thoughts on the upcoming season:
“I’ve been a fan for years, and I’m more excited than ever about this roster. The mix of young talent and seasoned players gives me hope that we’ll see some thrilling games this season. I can’t wait to see how the new additions gel with the existing team!”
Upcoming Season Schedule Highlights
The schedule for the upcoming season has numerous exciting matchups. Here are some key games to mark on your calendars:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2023 | Los Angeles Lakers | Away |
| October 25, 2023 | Golden State Warriors | Home |
| November 12, 2023 | Denver Nuggets | Away |
