
Utah Defenseman Set To Make Debut Tonight
Prior to the Inaugural season of the Utah Hockey Club, the newest team in the NHL was making moves.
Not only were they drafting the future of the franchise on June 29th, knee deep in the 2nd day of the 62nd NHL draft, but they were shaking and baking on the trade market.
A day after drafting Tij Iginla, Utah would select 9 players on the 2nd day of the draft and swing a deal for Mikhail Sergachev, acquiring him from Tampa Bay.
Not satisfied with one defenseman bulking, Utah would strike again, this time dealing with the New Jersey Devils for John Marino.
Now with the season just over the halfway point at 42 games, Utah has been able to see how some of these moves have panned out.
Clearly in need of defenseman. Utah did what they could to bulk up their ranks, but it has yet to fully translate into the season.
Mikhail Sergachev, a well know commodity through the NHL has been the expected steady presence, well worth the acquisition as a defender with offensive flair.
Even then however, Utah has dealt with injuries to other key pieces, including Sean Durzi, another leader of the defense who suffered an injury in mid October, leading to surgery and an unknown timetable of return.
With Utah in the midst of battling for a wild card spot, 6 points behind current placeholder for the second wild card, Calgary, they need all the help they can get.
Enter part two of that 2nd day draft day trade in John Marino.
Marino is seemingly cleared to make his debut tonight in the fight against Montreal and Utah fans couldn’t be more thrilled for some additional hands on deck.
The 27 year old, rocking #6, has appeared in 328 total games between the Devils and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Last season, Marino had 4 goals and 21 assists in 75 appearances.
In his 5 seasons, the career totals are 107 points, 18 goals, 89 assists, and two game winners.
With 385 blocks, 276 hits and 193 takeaways, Marino will be a welcome sight for a depleted Utah squad battling for their potential playoff lives.
Utah will look to sweep the Canadiens at 7:00 Mountain Time tonight, as the Club looks to turn around a 2-6-2 record in the last 10 tries.
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