The Utah Hockey Club is a young team hoping to experience much growth from some of its young players in hopes of competing for an NHL playoff spot.
They are 4-2 through the first six games of preseason, with only one game remaining before they open the season on Tuesday against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Now that we have seen a few games from each of these players, it is time to discuss some preseason standouts and get excited about what some of these guys will do for this team as Utah looks to elevate to a playoff level.
Utah Hockey Club Preseason Standouts
- The Powerplay Unit
These numbers should be taken with a grain of salt, but the Utah Hockey Club ranks third in goals, 11th in expected goals and 10th in high-danger chances per 60 minutes among all NHL teams this preseason. It is a small sample size and has been a mix of players getting time on the powerplay, but at the very least, we know this team has options to work with (via NaturalStatTrick)
Utah had five players score goals on the powerplay this preseason, and whoever Head Coach Andre Tourigny put out in his system was working. They were getting consistent good looks.
However, the biggest reason for excitement is that it is still the number one unit, primarily run by Mikhail Sergachev, Clayton Keller, and Dylan Guenther. We saw these connect for a beautiful powerplay goal against the Colorado Avalanche. If Utah carries this play on the man advantage to the regular season, it could be a huge reason they end up in the playoffs.
- Kailer Yamamoto Is A Buzzsaw
I am not going to lie. My opinion of Yamamoto has completely changed in the last week. I always considered this guy a small-skill player who always found a way to underperform. However, watching him closely throughout Utah's preseason, I am highly impressed this guy is a buzzsaw.
Not only has he scored three goals in four games, but he also ranked fourth in Utah throughout the preseason in high-danger chances and off-the-rush shot attempts per 60. He has also been flying around on the defensive as he is leading the team in takeaways per 60 minutes this preseason and has even been throwing his body around a bit.
Now, with Yamamoto on a professional tryout contract, he is competing for a job, whether it is in Utah or somewhere else. He is trying to put the best tape out there. So, can we expect this same effort level from Yamamoto in the regular season if he were to be signed for the year?
We can. Last year, Yamamoto finished in the top 27% of forwards in defensive wins above replacement, ranked in the top two percent in forecheck involvement, and is overall a very good defensive forward who, despite his size, fits the mould of a bottom-six forward very well. He has done enough to warrant a roster spot on this team (@JFreshHockey).
- Josh Doan
It feels like I have been talking about Josh Doan all training camp. The kid has been phenomenal and continues to impress in every game he has played this preseason.
Doan has four points in five games so far this preseason and ranks third among all players to dress for Utah in the preseason in high-danger chances per 60 and fourth in expected goals per 60.
While Doan could still use some time to develop his skating and some NHL speed and explosiveness, he has shown a ton of offensive upside. With Bjugstad likely starting the season injured, I am guessing Doan will make an impact for this team early in the year.