The 2024 NHL Draft is now in the rearview mirror, and it was one to remember. This year, rather than hosting the draft at T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, they opted for the Sphere, which lies less than a mile off the strip.
The NHL made history as the first sporting event to be held at the Sphere, with the UFC following suit later this year. It was a historic draft for general manager Bill Armstrong and the Utah Hockey Club (soon to be Yeti?) as they came away with 11 players in their first draft in franchise history. They also traded for superstar defensemen Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino, who will both anchor Utah’s blue line in 2024-25.
Related: Utah: Sergachev & Iginla Highlight Bill Armstrong’s Massive Draft in Vegas
With free agency kicking off yesterday, Utah was expected to make some noise, considering they still had money to spend and spots to fill. They signed Ian Cole, Kevin Stenlund, and Kevin Connauton, which added some depth. Here are five thoughts after Utah wrapped up its massive draft weekend and what’s to come with free agency and signings.
1. Iginla, Beaudoin Highlight Utah’s 11 Player Haul From 2024 Draft
Utah selected 11 players through seven rounds, including two first-round picks. Tig Iginla highlighted the first round, and rightfully so – as the sixth overall pick, he went five picks higher than his father, Jarome Iginla. It was a heartfelt moment, and Iginla has all the tools to become a first-line winger. His ceiling is that high, and he could become very good very quickly.
Utah also selected Cole Beaudoin from the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League, where he had 62 points in 64 games last season, but what likely attracted Armstrong to him is that he’s a two-way center. With his physicality and puck control, he could be a perfect third-line center down the road, depending on how he develops.
Considering the team’s need for defense, the early picks were confusing, but the Sergachev trade clarified that on day two. Utah also selected defensemen Will Skahan, Tomas Lavoie, Veeti Vaisanen, Gregor Biber, Ales Cech, and Ludvig Lafton, and besides the two first-round picks, they also took forwards Gabe Smith, Owen Allard, and Vojtech Hradec.
It’s unheard of to make two blockbuster trades while giving up a lot of draft capital and still drafting 11 players, but Armstrong did it, making it look easy.
2. Sergachev Trade Gives Utah a Legitimate…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…