When you look at Michael Carcone’s career numbers between 2021-22 and 2022-23, they’re rather dull, as he played in just 30 games and garnered nine points and six goals. Overall, he was in his age 25 and 26 seasons, respectively, and appeared to be headed for a career consisting of nothing but organizational depth.
Then last season happened, and in 74 games, Carcone skated away with 29 points in just 11:16 of average total ice time. Fourth-line minutes and Carcone didn’t really play like a fourth-liner, garnering just 56 hits in a role that you’d think would be more physical. But here’s the catch: He also scored 21 goals and finished the year with an 18.9 shooting percentage, meaning he was one magnificent depth scorer.
That may lead him to play a solid role on the Utah Hockey Club’s bottom-six this season, and right now, Puck Pedia has him as one of 14 forwards slated for the big club. If you want my take on this, it puts Utah in an excellent position, knowing they have a player who is more than capable of finding the net despite limited ice time.
Michael Carcone gives the Utah Hockey Club hidden value
With players like Dylan Guenther looking to jump to the big club and impress the organization enough to be long-term assets, Michael Carcone is in a different situation. He’ll be happy to stay in Salt Lake City as long as he can and play solid hockey with limited minutes, knowing it’s what his role will look like for most of his career in the NHL.
He won’t wow fans with All-Star performances or even snag recognition as one of the most popular players on the team. And why would he? Carcone’s middle-aged if you’re talking in hockey years, especially with Guenther and youngsters like Josh Doan rising through the system to entertain fans full-time in the state capital.
That said, Carcone’s taking a back seat here, and he’ll let the younger players shine, but he’ll give the team much-needed depth scoring if last season foreshadows what he can do when the puck is on his stick. Don’t expect him to stay in the rock black and mountain blue long, but he’ll give the team hidden value while he’s still under contract.
Players like Carcone often become ideal journeymen, so even if he’s not in Salt Lake City next season, it doesn’t mean he won’t make an eventual return.