If you’re a fan of the new Utah Hockey Club, you may have heard of Clayton Keller before he even flew into Salt Lake City. Keller was by far the Coyotes best scorer and playmaker in 2023-24, and he had the statistics to back it up: 76 points, 33 goals, and 43 assists, plus a 14.5 shooting percentage, shows that he is also on the verge of becoming one of the NHL’s most elite players.
The 26-year-old, however, enjoyed his best season in 2022-23 when he ended the year with 86 points, 37 goals, and 49 assists, plus a whopping 16.6 shooting percentage. No, Keller didn’t expand on those numbers this past season, but there is no reason to think that he’s stagnating as he enters his age-26 campaign.
Keller is playing for a group that could boast another playmaker this year in Logan Cooley. Plus, he has arguably the best defenseman he’s ever played alongside in Mikhail Sergachev, a two-way player who always seems capable of finding an open teammate when in the offensive zone.
Will Clayton Keller set records for the Utah Hockey Club in 2024-25?
Being that Utah is in its inaugural season, records of all sorts will be set this year, and as far as points, goals, and assists go, Clayton Keller will be a strong candidate to set those early milestones. The question is, will he see his name alongside them in 2024-25 and for years to come?
Hey, he’s got a lot of hockey to play, and Keller could end up being Utah’s first franchise player, so be prepared to see his name listed next to not just a few of the statistics slated in the No. 1 slot, but also No. 2, No. 3, and so on.
That said, it’s a not-so-bold prediction that Keller will be one of the most promising players to watch in Salt Lake City this season and throughout the rest of the 2020s. As with Mikhail Sergachev, Keller’s name will be one to remember and one Utah fans will resonate with during and after what will be an exciting season in the state capital.