The Utah Hockey Club is pleased to announce the signing of 25-year-old defenseman Sean Durzi to a four-year contract, solidifying his position with the team for the foreseeable future. The financial terms of this agreement have not been disclosed at this time.
Durzi, who showcased exceptional skill and performance during the previous season with the Arizona Coyotes, was on the verge of becoming a restricted free agent at noon ET on Monday. With an impressive NHL career-high of 41 points, comprising of nine goals and 32 assists in 76 games, the Utah general manager, Bill Armstrong, expressed his satisfaction in retaining Durzi. He commended Durzi for his dependability as a two-way defenseman and his capability to make significant contributions to the team’s offensive strategies from the blueline.
Originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft, Durzi has amassed 106 points in 212 regular-season games for the Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings. His notable performance also includes four points in 13 Stanley Cup Playoff games. In a trade transaction with the Kings in June 2023, Durzi joined the Coyotes in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
In addition to securing Durzi, the Utah Hockey Club has also made noteworthy acquisitions during the 2024 draft period. The team welcomed defensemen Mikhail Sergachev from the Tampa Bay Lightning and John Marino from the New Jersey Devils. In exchange, defenseman J.J. Moser and forward Conor Geekie, as well as draft picks, were sent to the Lightning. Utah also traded draft picks to secure Marino, further fortifying their defensive lineup.
Utah’s head coach, Andre Tourigny, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the team’s acquisitions, emphasizing the necessity to strengthen their defensive unit. He lauded the new additions as “two highly skilled players,” underlining the team’s strategic direction for the forthcoming seasons.
This article also incorporates the insights of NHL.com senior writer Dan Rosen, enhancing the credibility of the news reported.
In conclusion, the successful contract extension with Sean Durzi and the strategic acquisitions made by the Utah Hockey Club during the 2024 draft period signal a promising and robust future for the team. With a revitalized lineup and core players, the Utah Hockey Club is poised for competitive and compelling performance in the upcoming NHL seasons.