Official 2024-25 Utah HC Season Discussion.

[Jakey53]

Honestly, we’re close. But, Simashev, Iginla, and Lamoureux will finish most of what we need off. Given our winger situation, I'm fine with a 2way, middle 6 center. Bennett, Compher, and Zacha would all be players I'd have interest in this offseason. Our blue line is set and Maccelli looks like he could wind up the next roster spot casualty, it's all about maturing the last of the new core.

I think Utah will have to get Cooley help in getting another top end C. Teams are going to start paying more attention to Cooley. The question is who is available and cost. I don't think Zacha will be available, I don't want Compher. Would love Bennett but I think Florida will find room for him.

 

[Mangosteen]

Is there confirmation But or Simashev are coming over next season?

Sim says he wants to but no confirmation. I don't think they can confirm till there season is over.

 

[YotesFan47]

Which is why I don't see But or Simachev starting off with the big club. Odds are they will be there well before the end of the season (TDL would be the optimal), but they're going to need time adapting to the NHL game.

I think they start with the club, but only see 50ish games in the 8-13 minute range. Something like this:

Keller - Cooley - Guenther
Crouse - Hayton - Schmaltz
Maccelli - McBain - Doan
But - Stenlund - Kerfoot
O'Brian

Sergachev - Marino
Maatta - Durzi
Cole - Kesselring
Simashev, DiSimone

That's a pretty reasonable lineup. Now if either one is not NHL ready, I absolutely agree they'll go to the A, or stay in Russia, but But seems like he may be near ready.

@Heldig we would be young, but we still need to work in Iginla the following season (before his injury he was looking soo good in the few games I caught).

I want to use Maccelli and a 2025 1st for a middle 6 center. Zacha could be a stellar option. He's rangy and moves pretty good. He's more of a passer than a shooter, but that's fine. If we can get 50ish points and solid defense out of him for 2 seasons, I'd be stoked.

Compher is really intriguing to me as well. I don't know what Detroit's appetite to move him would be, but he has a decent net front presence and plays well defensively.

Keller - Cooley - Guenther
Crouse - Hayton - Schmaltz
But - Zacha/Compher - Doan
Kerfoot - McBain - Stenlund
O'Brian

 

[TheLegend]

Training camp will answer these questions.

Of course it will Jakey..... duh.

But BA likes cook his prospects more than anything. The only reason why MavLam got time at the outset was because of injuries. He held his own for the first quarter of games but was going downhill fast after that before he got hurt himself.

 

[Coyotedroppings]

Of course it will Jakey..... duh.

But BA likes cook his prospects more than anything. The only reason why MavLam got time at the outset was because of injuries. He held his own for the first quarter of games but was going downhill fast after that before he got hurt himself.

True dat, but you have to consider that MavLam hadn't played in the K.

 

[SpaceCoyote]

I think Moroz has a better chance of making the team out of camp than But realistically. He's a year older and contributes way more in the KHL. He leads his team in goals, top 10 goal scorer in the league, can play net front on powerplay, and not afraid to throw the body around.

But had a strong start to the season, since then has only had 2 goals since November while only playing 11 minutes a night on the 4th line. The most important thing for his development is getting him more ice time which means AHL.

 

[lanky]

It would be amazing to get both of them (and Simashev) over the pond. Even if all three were to start the year in Tucson.

 

[TheLegend]

True dat, but you have to consider that MavLam hadn't played in the K.

No..... but still I don't think he was expected to be on the big club at the start of the season either.

I'm not ruling out they make it if they come over. Bunch of stuff can happen between now and then. But BA has pretty much stuck to his plan since coming aboard (much to the chagrin of all teh impatient posters we have around here ) and I don't see it happening unless they absolutely knock everyone's socks off at camp.

 

[lanky]

No..... but still I don't think he was expected to be on the big club at the start of the season either.

I'm not ruling out they make it if they come over. Bunch of stuff can happen between now and then. But BA has pretty much stuck to his plan since coming aboard (much to the chagrin of all teh impatient posters we have around here ) and I don't see it happening unless they absolutely knock everyone's socks off at camp.

Cooley was a very notable exception. He's never been to Tucson. Cooley played a bit of hardball with Bill and he got a guaranteed roster spot out of it. KHL players are in a great position to get similar treatment. Bill will sleep much better when they're in NA and he might make some promises to get them here.