Confirmed Signing with Link: [UTA] F Dylan Guenther signs extension with the Utah Hockey Club (8 years, $7.14M AAV; begins 2025-26)

Fatass

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Apr 17, 2017
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Is this serious? If so, this is nuts. What has this player done to get such a contract?
 

Danarqhy

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Crazy contract that I honestly had to double and triple check that it was correct LOL.

The risk with giving young NHL players too much money before they earn it is that it creates too much pressure too early and they stop improving. Look at a guy like Kotkaniemi, dude was very greedy and money hungry and was paid for "potential" then he turned into a total offensive dud and is now an overpaid 4C/3C tweener.
 

Half Clapper

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Dec 1, 2017
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Risky contract but this reminds me of when I play be a GM and I lock all my studs up to 8 year deals asap, because I know they get good. If the video game is accurate then this will be a great deal long-term.
 
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CanadienShark

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Dec 18, 2012
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Well that came from left field. I like him, but that's a huge contract for a guy who hasn't done a whole lot yet.
 

BKarchitect

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Oct 12, 2017
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Contract is heavy up front… lightens up in the last half.


It’s a smart structure for the team, not that anybody who is complaining about the AAV is really going to dig into. Franchise has plenty of cap and salary space right now just coming out of a full rebuild. In 5-6 years when Guenther is hitting his prime and the franchise a powerhouse, along with more big deals and a raising cap - the actual real money owed to Gunether will be a shockingly good deal.
 

joestevens29

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Apr 30, 2009
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It’s a smart structure for the team, not that anybody who is complaining about the AAV is really going to dig into. Franchise has plenty of cap and salary space right now just coming out of a full rebuild. In 5-6 years when Guenther is hitting his prime and the franchise a powerhouse, along with more big deals and a raising cap - the actual real money owed to Gunether will be a shockingly good deal.
Oh so at end of deal he might be worth it?
 

Bacon Artemi Bravo

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I think this is a no brainer move for a team like Utah. Even if he took a step back - salary cap ceilings wont be an issue anytime soon(for Utah). Further, a kid shows a ton of promise and is willing to lock in long term in Utah? Yea thats an easy call.
 

hamzarocks

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Jul 22, 2012
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The comp would be Raymond's $8.1M plus cap increase, so they'd be saving ~$1.5M, in theory.
Raymond would be a higher end comp to Guenther

Higher pick/draft pedigree

Higher offensive ceiling and point production expectations, along with higher role on DRW depth chart vs Guenther

More seasons of strong play as Ramond has 3-year sample size with 2 years of 60-70 pt play and another ~50 pt pace year while Guenther would have 1.5 seasons of 60-70 point play

Utah are taking a risk and they could have gotten him at this deal +~500K if he had a full 65-70 pt year. They must really be high on his upside and believe he will improve from his rookie half season
 

Arizonatah Coyetis

Formerly Kai Yo T
Nov 27, 2006
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Anyone that had never heard of Guenther has now. And I think they're going to be hearing a lot more about him throughout the season. He puts up highlight reel goals.

Edit: He'd be much better known if he were drafted by any other team than Arizona.
 
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Schemp

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Nov 12, 2018
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This makes the Raymond deal look like a huge steal
Actually it doesn't. 20 yo Guenther put up 18Gs and 17As in 45 games
Raymond put up 17Gs and 28As in 78 games when he was 20 yo.
Kinda comparable
Guenther's money isn't until after this season for $1M less. Let's see how this season plays out first before making that conclusion.
I find it amusing so many have suggested it's a bad contract. After this upcoming season, his last year on an ELC, it will look like a bargain when it kicks in next year!
 
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HockeyScotty

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Sep 11, 2021
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I'm a big believer in Guenther but this was a big gamble from Utah at this point. They must really see him blowing up this year and are "buying low". I am guessing that he becomes the focal point of their team and gets heavy offensive zone time and PP1 and they make him and Cooley (if he pops this year) their new cornerstones; slotting Keller-Schmaltz into 2nd line roles (which to be honest is probably a better winning strategy).

It's much more similiar to the Matt Boldy contract and timing (approx. 80 NHL games) and I remember feeling that it was a little too early but he was just popping when he signed it.

However, this deal makes the Byfield one look like a steal.
 

Reality Czech

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Apr 17, 2017
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Thats fine that you didnt know him - but to make a post saying that, in a thread specifically about him, is only a negative toward him and others who are fans of his

Instead, going on EliteProspects and then saying nothing or something along the lines of 'didnt know who he was but seems he did well last year and lets see if hes worth that money'

Heck, even just saying 'Utah fans, is he worth it?' is sufficient. Really no need to make point to everyone that you didnt know who it was, unless youre going to make it seem friendly instead of combative

Why are you so invested in his post? Seems like there are always know it alls on this site that want everyone to know how much they follow hockey. Cool dude, not everyone knows everything about every player in the league. You and others are the ones who made it combative.
 

Devilsfan118

Sing us a song, you're the Schiano man
Jun 11, 2010
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Something about the NHL has been broken, where unknowns like this with very little proven success are handed these types of contracts.
 
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