Connect with us

Utah

How soon could NHL Utah be a contender? A look at their top prospects and young players

Published

on

How soon could NHL Utah be a contender? A look at their top prospects and young players


Hockey fans in Utah have recently learned that the Arizona Coyotes will be relocating to their state. I’m sure one question fans have is: What are they getting in the former Coyotes organization, what do they have, what do they still need and where are they in the contention cycle?

To highlight this, I’m going to focus on the core players either on the roster or in the pipeline who are age 25 or under, who can be part of the foreseeable future in Utah.

Centers

Logan Cooley, Barrett Hayton, Conor Geekie, Jack McBain

Cooley may be the most important player currently in the Utah organization. Having an elite NHL player or two is a near necessity for winning a championship. Clayton Keller is excellent but isn’t an elite NHL player. Cooley is the organization’s best shot at that type of player based on his talent level and how he’s played at various levels the last few seasons. As a 19-year-old rookie, he recorded 44 points in 82 NHL games. He’s a dynamic skater, puck handler and passer who can make a lot of high-end skilled plays at a top pace. He’s not that big but competes well. He has the makings of a potential star No. 1 center that Utah can build a winner around.

Advertisement

Hayton and Geekie are both very good young centers. Hayton is a several-year pro who hasn’t lived up to the billing of his fifth overall selection in 2018, but is a middle-six center in the league. Geekie is a recent top-15 pick still in junior hockey, but was very good in the WHL this past season. Geekie is a bit bigger than Hayton, Hayton is a little more skilled, neither are great skaters, but both compete well and make a lot of plays with the puck. The hope is they can be the 2/3 punch down the middle, in some order, with Cooley leading the charge for this organization.

GO DEEPER

What can prospective NHL cities learn from Utah’s pursuit of a team?

Wings

Daniil But, Josh Doan, Dylan Guenther, Clayton Keller, Matias Maccelli

This is the strongest position for Utah currently. Keller is a star who was a high pick from the beginning of the current rebuild. He’s a dynamic forward with high-end skill and hockey sense who plays with pace and will be a high-producing forward for a while.

Advertisement

Maccelli has developed phenomenally — after being a fourth-round pick in 2019 — into a legit NHL scorer. He went that low because he’s not that big or fast, but has overcome those issues because of how good his puck play is. Maccelli is super smart and skilled with the puck and can run an NHL power play off the flank. To go with Keller and Maccelli are top-tier young prospects in Guenther and But.

Guenther’s first full year as a pro went very well. He was a productive AHL player before coming up to the NHL and scoring 35 points in 45 games for the Coyotes. He’s a big winger who skates well and while he can make plays, it’s his elite shot that defines his offensive value and should make him a valuable top-six wing on a good team with a chance to be a legit top-line winger.

But was a high first-round pick a year ago. He had a strong year versus men production-wise even if his ice time wasn’t amazing on a top KHL team. The toolkit he has looks like an NHL player. He’s huge at 6-foot-5 and maybe taller. He skates quite well for a guy his size. He has very good offensive skills and he’s able to finish chances well. But is a year or two away from the NHL, but he has the potential to be a top-six wing as well.

Josh Doan is a high second-round pick from 2021, and the son of organization legend Shane Doan, who looked quite good as a rookie pro as well and is showing indicators he could be a middle-six wing in the league given his skill, size and compete level.

Between Keller, Guenther, But, Maccelli and Doan, Utah has a potential large part of its future on the wing built out already especially since that’s a position that can be more easily plugged in through free agency.

Advertisement

Dmitri Simashev, the sixth overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft, has the potential to be a major-minutes, all-situations defenseman in the NHL. (Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

Defensemen

Sean Durzi, Maveric Lamoureux, J.J. Moser, Dmitri Simashev, Juuso Valimaki

Utah has some good young talent at defense, but between their forward and blue-line situations, there is a need for more on defense in terms of building a contending group.

They made a good initial step last summer though drafting Dmitri Simashev with the sixth overall pick. He will play in Russia for another year, but he’s a big, athletic defenseman who has some skill and competes hard. He has the potential to be a major-minutes, all-situations defenseman in the NHL.

Lamoureux has some offense/puck-moving questions, but his massive frame, plus strong skating and physical play could make him a second or third-pair defenseman.

Moser and Durzi have played big roles on the recent Coyotes teams. I don’t know if on a contender they are going to be the leaned-on type of defensemen they were this season given that neither are amazing skaters. Both are very smart and competitive players though, and Durzi has the creative mind to run an NHL power play well.

Advertisement
go-deeper

GO DEEPER

Gary Bettman speaks on Coyotes relocation in both Arizona, Utah

Goaltender

Michael Hrabal

Utah used a high second-round pick in 2023 on Hrabal, who is one of the better goaltending prospects in hockey currently. He doesn’t project as a true impact starting goalie, but he looks like a future NHL goaltender given his massive frame, good quickness, and hockey sense. He projects at least as a tandem starter with a chance to be a legit starting goaltender.

Projecting NHL Utah’s future

Utah has spent quite a few years rebuilding, starting way back with picking Dylan Strome third overall in 2015, and after a lot of seasons of losing in Arizona a new fan base in Salt Lake City could be in position to benefit from the assets they’ve accumulated.

They have a desirable group of young forwards. They have a strong potential top center in Cooley, and a good nucleus of talent to build a contending top-nine group around. Even though they didn’t have a good season overall, Arizona still finished middle of the pack in the NHL in goals scored and has room to grow with the development of their young forwards.

Advertisement
go-deeper

GO DEEPER

Why Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith is hellbent on bringing an NHL team to Salt Lake City

They have some good young blueliners, but continuing to build out their group of young defensemen is still a priority for this organization. It remains to be seen how Simashev is going to be as a pro as he develops, even if he’s a highly promising player. Maybe a second-round pick like Artyom Duda hits, but for now this is the area of the organization that needs more high-end depth. Utah has another high pick this season in a defense-heavy class; maybe the team will pick up another top prospect there.

Overall, this is an organization trending slowly in the right direction. If they even got average goaltending this season they could have pushed for a playoff spot and were at points this season. I can see them becoming a legit playoff contender over the next two to three years, and if they acquire or develop one or two more premium young players they could form a core that can be a contender down the line.

(Photo of Logan Cooley: Norm Hall / NHLI via Getty Images)





Source link

Advertisement

Utah

Utah Royals FC Announce the Addition of Assistant Coach Jessie van den Broek to 2026 Coaching Staff | Utah Royals

Published

on

Utah Royals FC Announce the Addition of Assistant Coach Jessie van den Broek to 2026 Coaching Staff  |  Utah Royals


HERRIMAN, Utah – (Thursday, June 25, 2026) – URFC announced today the addition of assistant coach Jessie van den Broek to the 2026 technical staff.

The Dutchwoman brings experience from several levels of soccer across Europe. Her coaching journey has steadily progressed through commitment to player development, making her a strong addition to the Royals as the club continues to build for the future. 

Advertisement

After gaining coaching experience at various levels, van den Broek made the jump to professional soccer in Germany’s Bundesliga, joining as an assistant coach and second in command to head coach Robert de Pauw and helping to support the club in its sixth place finish during the 2023-24 season. After a year and a half in Germany, she followed de Pauw to England, joining the coaching staff of Aston Villa Women, continuing to expand her experience in one of Europe’s top leagues. 

In 2025, van den Broek returned to her native country of the Netherlands to join the coaching staff of HERA United, the country’s first stand-alone women’s soccer club. Her work with HERA United further strengthened her coaching abilities and her dedication to the women’s game. Following the conclusion of the club’s season in May 2026, she has now accepted her first position overseas, joining the Utah Royals, bringing the international experience and diverse coaching background with her. 

Away from the pitch, van den Broek attended Radbound University in the Netherlands, earning a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. She also earned an A Licence through the Union of European Football Associations in 2025. Her combination of education and coaching credentials, along with her experience in Germany, England and the Netherlands gives Utah Royals FC a coach with high-level experience and a proven commitment to the game of women’s soccer. 

Advertisement

The Royals return to NWSL play on July 5 to take on the Chicago Stars at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium with kickoff set for 3:00 p.m. MT. The match is available to watch on CBS Sports Network and KMYU.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Utah

Edwin Munk Woolley — Obituary | Larkin Mortuary

Published

on

Edwin Munk Woolley — Obituary | Larkin Mortuary


Edwin Munk Woolley died on June 19, 2026, in a canyoneering accident in Zero Gravity canyon in the San Rafael Swell in Southern Utah. He was born October 28, 1974, in Salt Lake City, Utah to James and Jeanette Woolley. The youngest of four children, he exemplified all the best qualities of the baby in the family: funny, adaptable, sociable, and adventurous.

Growing up, he skied as soon as he could walk, excelled at Zim-Zam, roamed the Federal Heights foothills and threw snowballs at passing cars with his pack of life-long friends. Although his high school attendance record was less than stellar, he was a proud and committed member of the East High Leopard hockey team. Hockey was a huge part of his life and he cherished playing on a late-night team with some of his closest friends.

A life-long Utah enthusiast, he graduated from the University of Utah and lived in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake City. He served a faithful mission in Rome, Itay for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There he gained a love and appreciation for everything Italian, people, culture and especially the food. He built his career in various roles at Goldman Sach’s Salt Lake bank. He married Whitney Scott in the Salt Lake temple in 2006 and they had four children. Eddie’s family was the greatest joy of his life. He was a deeply engaged husband and father. He treasured his wife and cherished his children, supporting their pursuits and encouraging them through times good and bad.

Eddie was an excellent athlete and took full advantage of Utah’s outdoor opportunities. He was an expert skier, water-skier, and mountain biker. He also loved riding dirt bikes and helicopter-skied across the globe; he generally reveled in all things outdoors. He particularly loved introducing his children to all his activities, encouraging them with patience, humor, and occasionally a firm nudge.

Advertisement

He was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Utes, Mammoth and Dallas Cowboys and would follow a variety of professional teams and players, but only those who lived up to his exacting standards. As a devoted hockey fan, he was delighted when Salt Lake acquired a team and had strong opinions on name selection. Some of his favorite times were cheering on the Mammoths with his kids, all of whom he managed to convert into fans.

While he loved all the wild places, Snowbird, Southern Utah, and Hebgen Lake, Montana were favorites. Southern Utah brought adventure and challenge, while Hebgen meant water-skiing, boating, and meaningful time with family and friends. One of Eddie’s greatest passions in life was teaching his kids how to ski at his beloved ski resort, Snowbird. Eddie had a season pass at Snowbird ever since he was four years old.

Eddie had a gift for finding common ground and connection with everyone he met. He gave the good Samaritan a run for his money, always jumping in to help without reservation or complaint. He was up for any challenge, always with a positive, can-do attitude. He found purpose and comfort in the church and served admirably in many callings.

Eddie is survived by his adored wife, Whitney Scott Woolley, his four children, Sadie (17), Spencer (14), Savanna (9), and Lewis (7) Woolley, and his father James Woolley. In addition, his siblings (Sue, Calvin, and Camille), in-laws (Brad and Kathy Scott), nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends are bereft at the loss of his buoyant presence and will always treasure his memory.

Viewings will be held on Friday, June 26, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 27, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Canyon Rim Stake Center, 3051 S. 2900 E., Salt Lake City, Utah 84109. Funeral services will be held at the Canyon Rim Stake Center on Saturday, June 27, at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, Utah.

Advertisement

A livestream of the funeral services can be accessed via the following link: Zoom Link



Source link

Continue Reading

Utah

4 Prospects the Utah Jazz Could Trade Up to Draft in the Second Round

Published

on

4 Prospects the Utah Jazz Could Trade Up to Draft in the Second Round


After landing Darryn Peterson at the top of Tuesday night’s first round, the Utah Jazz are heading into day two of the 2026 NBA Draft without a second round at their disposal.

However, with a front office like the one that’s in Utah, it’d be hard to truly count out the Jazz from making a trade throughout the night to jump into the second round, in the event there was a prospect the Ainges had a certain appeal for.

While most of the big names of this class have already been scooped up in the first 30 picks, there’s certainly a few both interesting and potentially valuable names to keep an eye on through the next 30.

Advertisement

And for the Jazz, a few of them could fit their current lineup or some specific needs well enough that would make sense to get back on the clock once again.

Advertisement

Let’s take a look at four prospects still left up for grabs on day two of the draft that could be a worthwhile pickup for the Jazz to consider trading up for.

Dillon Mitchell | F, St. Johns

Advertisement

Mar 14, 2026; New York, NY, USA; St. John’s Red Storm forward Dillon Mitchell (1) with head coach Rick Pitino as he checks out of the game during the second half of the men’s Big East Conference Tournament Championship against the Connecticut Huskies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

An athletic forward fresh off of a season under Rick Pitino at St. John’s, trading up to add another D-Mitchell to Utah’s draft history might not be the worst idea here.

Offensively, he won’t bring a ton to the table, as he only averaged 8.3 points a night during his senior season and shot a rough 6.7% from three. What he does do is check a ton of boxes in terms of size at 6-foot-8, 210 pounds, as well as his abilities as a defender, rebounder, and energy guy enough to warrant a look at the top half of the second round.

For the Jazz, perhaps they’d like to land on a more dynamic fit on both ends than Mitchell. But he sure would bring a nice spark on the defensive end that Utah could utilize after multiple lackluster years of production on that end of the floor.

Advertisement

Richie Saunders | G, BYU

Jan 31, 2026; Lawrence, Kansas, USA; BYU Cougars guard Richie Saunders (15) shoots against BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) during the first half at Mizzou Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Advertisement

A local product who spent four years with Brigham Young, Saunders might not fit exactly the type of mold on the defensive end that Utah could really covet here in the second round.

Advertisement

However, he does project to be a pretty seamless connecting wing with solid NBA size standing at 6-foot-5, has a strong outside shooting ability with a 38.7% clip from deep from his career, and should be able to at least hold his own on the other end.

He’d be a nice fit in Will Hardy’s system, and have a solid pro career as role player in the wing.

Advertisement

Trevon Brazile | F, Arkansas

Jan 6, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Trevon Brazil (2) reacts after scoring in the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Bud Walton Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images | Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

If you’re looking for a lengthy, two-way impact player that could fit with the current standout size in this Jazz frontcourt, Brazile would be a perfect fit to bring in that would do just that.

He’s got great length standing at 6-foot-10, can be an ample shot blocker, is a threat at the rim who can finish well, stretches the floor, and on paper, looks like the type of piece in the frontcourt that many front offices around the league would love to get their hands on.

Advertisement

However, he has seen several questions regarding his lighter frame at 225 pounds, and has shown a lack of physicality and a real motor from his time at Arkansas. That same reason is why many GMs might turn away from taking a flier on him.

Jaden Bradley | G, Arizona

Advertisement

Jan 14, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Jaden Bradley (0) reacts during the second half of the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at McKale Memorial Center. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images | Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Advertisement

For the guards that are up for grabs in this range, Bradley has some of the best traits in terms of size at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, and has the chance to be an impactful player on both ends of the floor as a solid playmaker and perimeter defender.

He wasn’t a high-volume scorer during his three years at Arizona, but he was efficient in his opportunities, shooting over 46% from the field and 39% from three on over nine shots a game. He could be a worthwhile dart throw to bring in for the back-end of the roster.

Another note that could make him a fun target for the Jazz: Bradley and Keyonte George are tight-knit from their days as teammates back at IMG Academy. So he’d be a pretty awesome fit into the locker room on top of the impact he offers on the floor.

Be sure to follow Utah Jazz On SI on X to stay up to date for daily Utah Jazz news, rumors and analysis!

Advertisement

Add us as a preferred source on Google



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending