ELMONT, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 10: Michael Carcone #53 of Utah Hockey Club skates against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on October 10, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Seeking more playing time and consistent opportunities, Utah Hockey Club left winger Michael Carcone does not expect to be with the club next season. After meeting with the front office, Carcone will likely seek opportunities elsewhere in the NHL.
Carcone voiced his expectation to sign with a new team during Utah HC exit interviews on Thursday, April 17.
“I don’t think we’re going to agree on anything,” Carcone told the assembled press. “I spoke to the coaching staff & management, and I think we’re gonna go in a different direction.”
Michael Carcone said he doesn’t expect to return next season.
He expects to go a different direction following conversations he had with the front office.
Biggest issue was consistency. He doesn’t feel like he was given enough opportunity to prove himself.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) April 17, 2025
Carcone suited up for just 53 games this year, 21 fewer than his career-high 74 appearances in 2023-24. After lighting the lamp 21 times and scoring 29 points for the Coyotes, Carcone’s production dipped to seven goals and 12 assists in Utah’s inaugural season.
A native of Ajax, Ontario, Canada, Carcone signed with the Vancouver Canucks as an undrafted free agent in July 2016. In 2018, Vancouver shipped Carcone to Toronto. He was later dealt to Ottawa in a six-player deal on 2020 NHL Draft day. A third trade landed Carcone in Nashville during the 2020 season.
POSTGAME
“It was good… I thought when we were in the (offensive) zone, we did a good job."@utahhockeyclub Michael Carcone on playing with new linemates tonight pic.twitter.com/3K6uf9FD2e
— Utah Hockey Club PR (@UtahHC_PR) January 30, 2025
Carcone signed a free-agent contract with Arizona in 2021. He made his NHL debut in 2021-22, scoring four goals and adding two assists in 21 games. Carcone finished his Coyote career with 27 goals and 11 assists in 104 games.
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Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Follow him on X here. Listen to Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
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Brian Preece is a KSLSports.com insider covering Locals in MLB and the Salt Lake Bees. Follow Brian’s Bees and Beehive baseball here. Find Brian on X, Instagram, and BlueSky at @bpreece24.
