"Better than people think" "Bottom 3 team": Hockey fans debate over Utah HC's projected lines ahead of NHL debut

The Utah Hockey Club is one of the youngest teams in the NHL. It doesn't even have an official mascot yet, though the GM may have let slip its plans to get one soon. The NHL projected the lineup for the upcoming season, and asked fans what they think of the team's chances.

The lines include Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, and Nick Schmaltz up front. Mikhail Sergachev and Sean Durzi are the defenders, while Connor Ingram will be in goal most of the time.

Secondary lines include players such as Dylan Guenther, Kevin Stenlund, John Marino and Karel Vejmelka among others. NHL fans are divided about what the team's results will be this season after joining the league. Some foresee a bad team in its first season.

"Still a below average hockey team," one fan added.

"Still needs work, hopefully the Utah money makes a difference in the next 2 to 3 years," another echoed.

Others believe they could surprise everyone.

"That young core is gonna be great inna a couple years," one fan said.

"That top pair of Durzi - Sergachev looks good! Hopefully now the team won't just be used as a place to send LTIR players and cap dumps," another added.

The Utah Hockey Club is trying to do something impressive in the first season, but fans aren't sure whether or not it has the capability to do so.

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Utah Hockey Club announce affiliation

The Utah Hockey Club is making big moves this offseason as it tries to build a legitimate, competitive NHL team. That includes finding an affiliate. The team announced a one-year affiliation agreement with the Allen Americans of the ECHL.

The Utah Hockey Club is making moves (Imagn)

John Ferguson, assistant general manager for Utah and general manager for its AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, said, via NHL:

“The Americans are a first-class organization with a passionate fan base and a reputation of winning. We look forward to working with Americans Ownership, Myles and La Sonjia Jack, this season.”

Things are beginning to fall into place for the Utah Hockey Club. Next up is an official mascot.