3 Utah Hockey Club Who Won't Be Back Next Season: Post Trade Deadline Fallout

1 month ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

The Utah Hockey Club has taken steps and are close to getting into the playoffs, even if it likely won't happen this season. They are a young team and have to add the right pieces. There is a good amount of cap space to do so in the offseason, but they have to offload some players.Nick BjugstadNick Bjugstad has dropped off this season in his UFA year. It has gotten to the point where he isn't in the lineup right now. The veteran center went from 22 goals and 45 points last season to just five goals and 16 points this season. Younger players like Logan Cooley and Barret Hayton have stepped up and secured top-6 roles while Jack McBain and Kevin Stenlund have played well in the bottom-6. With a lot of money to spend, Utah is going to bring in someone better than Bjugstad for sure.Robert BortuzzoRobert Bortuzzo is already just a depth defensemen for Utah, but he is hardly an NHL defenseman anymore. He is currently injured and has played just 16 games this season, logging under 11 minutes per game. Utah have six defensemen signed, young talent, and room to sign another impactful piece. Bringing back Bortuzzo makes no sense.Matias MaccelliMatias Maccelli has really underperformed based on expectations coming into the season. The 24-year-old seems in need of a change in scenery as players like Josh Doan and Michael Carcone have even passed him. After two strong seasons by Maccelli, he has just eight goals and 18 points in 53 games and is currently playing on the fourth line. With one year left on his deal, it makes sense to dangle him as a trade piece in the offseason. There will definitely be takers.Photo credit: © Rob Gray-Imagn Images...

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