The Utah Hockey Club has had a phenomenal start to its inaugural season. After a hard-fought 5-2 win against the Chicago Blackhawks in the team’s opener, the Hockey Club won a thrilling 5-4 tilt over the New York Islanders.
While the hot start has brought plenty of optimism to the Hockey Club fan base, there is a downside we need to talk about: injuries. Unfortunately, the Hockey Club has some players on the shelf with injuries to start the season. But hopefully, they’ll be back in the lineup soon.
So, after the Utah Hockey Club’s first two games, it’s worth taking a look at the team’s injury report.
Utah Hockey Club injury report
John Marino
Blueliner John Marino landed in Utah following a trade with the New Jersey Devils in late June this year. However, Marino has yet to suit up for the Hockey Club due to an upper-body injury. According to Cole Bagley at KSL Sports, Marino could be out for weeks. The word is that Marino will be evaluated during the Club’s four-game road trip. More information is expected as soon as early next week.
Nick Bjugstad
Forward Nick Bjugstad is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury. Like Marino, Bjugstad is on injured reserve. The Hockey News reported Bjugstad’s injury, with PuckPedia providing a potential return date of November 2. However, there is no official word of when he could be back to the lineup, as he is still "quite far away, according to Angre Tourigny.
Other players on the injury report
PuckPedia reports two other players on the Utah Hockey Club’s injury report.
21-year-old prospect Sam Lipkin is out indefinitely with an undisclosed injury. The former 7th-round pick from 2021 is signed until 2027.
Also, 24-year-old center Curtis Douglas is on the shelf with an undisclosed ailment. He’s a former 4th-round pick of the Dallas Stars from 2018. He’s under contract for two seasons with the Hockey Club. There is no firm date on his return.