After shutting down trade rumors involving Mitch Marner, David Pagnotta revealed the Utah Hockey Club is instead targeting a top-pair defenseman ahead of the upcoming NHL draft.
The leadership of the Utah Hockey Club has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure team success in their first year under their new name and arena. As part of their build up, they signed former Arizona Cotoes forward Liam O'Brien to a 3-year contract.
"Spicy Tuna is here to stay 🔥
We have signed @OfficialBigTuna to a 3-year contract! "
Despite these efforts, Utah has had difficulty keeping all updates under wraps.
After leaking their logo designs and finalist team names, the team had to answer rumors that Utah HC was brokering a deal with Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs; a rumor that David Pagnotta had to shut down himself.
"On the Mitch Marner to Utah report/rumor that's out there: I reached out to the Marner camp who told me it is «100% not true.» A Leafs team rep also poured cold water all over the report calling it completely untrue."
However, Pagnotta of the Fourth Period later provided more information on the types of players Utah is actually targeting. Instead of top forwards like Mitch Marner, the team aims to pick up some top-line defensemen for their future lineup.
"Utah is making some noise and is actively shopping for a top-pair defenceman by the sounds of it. Something to keep an eye on this week."
Given the Arizona Coyotes' last season, a solid defensive player is exactly who Utah needs. However, with so many other teams looking to build up their pairings, they could have trouble picking the right one.
WILL UTAH HC BE ABLE TO SIGN A TOP-PAIR DEFENSEMAN THIS SEASON? JUNE 26 81 ANSWERS |
| YES, BEFORE THE START | 38 | 46.9 % |
| YES, AFTER THE START | 14 | 17.3 % |
| NO | 29 | 35.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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