Barrett Hayton #27 of Utah Hockey Club skates against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on October 14, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – With more than half of their inaugural season complete, the Utah Hockey Club finds themselves six points out of a wild card spot with a .509 record (24-23-9). As they approach the back half of their schedule and attempt to make a push for the playoffs, here’s a look at Utah’s standard performers and their individual report cards through 56 games.
Related: Utah Hockey Club Midseason Report Cards: Top Performers
Stats: 43 GP, 2G, 3A, 16:33 TOI/G
Grade: C
Nothing out of the ordinary for defenseman Juuso Valimaki as he’s played to expectations for the Utah Hockey Club this season in 43 games.
In spite of so many injuries, Valimaki has mostly been a reliable D-man when called upon.
Never too high, never too low.
Stats: 38 GP, 5G, 7A, 11:30 TOI/G
Grade: C
While Michael Carcone is well below his production from last year (21G, 8A), he’s also only appeared in 38 games for the Utah Hockey Club this season and has bounced around the forward lines a fair amount.
Sure, he’s not as productive as he was a year ago but for the most part, he’s been reliable, brought energy and complimented his linemates regardless of who they are.
TWO IN THE FIRST TWO MINUTES 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DRAsyFr5DG
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) February 9, 2025
Stats: 56 GP, 7G, 9A, 15:19 TOI/G
Grade: C
Alexander Kerfoot is another player experiencing production struggles as he’s currently on pace to finish the season down 48 percent year over year.
However, what he’s lacked in production, he’s certainly made up for in terms of effort and veteran leadership.
🗣️ IF YOU’RE A GOALTENDER, TEND THE GOAL 🗣️
Ilya Samsonov delivers a gift to Alex Kerfoot from waaaaay outside of the crease pic.twitter.com/Z4yK4VtyJF
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 1, 2024
Throughout the season, Kerfoot has played with reliable a consistent energy every single night.
JOSH DOAN TIES THE GAME 🚨
pic.twitter.com/GClEiQ4INn— PPI (@propuckinsights) October 11, 2024
Whether he’s orchestrating sneaky assists, battling in the dirty areas, or contributing on a collection of different lines and situations, Kerfoot has been a dependable veteran for the Utah Hockey Club.
Stats: 56 GP, 12G, 17A, 15:41 TOI/G
Grade: C+
It’s been a bit of an up and down season for former 2018 No. 5 overall pick Barrett Hayton in Salt Lake City.
While he’s been fantastic as of late and appears to have finally found a groove, his production has been a bit inconsistent at times.
In October and February, Hayton registered a total of 10 goals and 8 assists.
Meanwhile, in November, December and February, the center has just 2 goals and 9 assists.
When Hayton is at his best, he’s a very impactful player who can score, facilitate and create havoc in front of the net.
Barrett Hayton scores in the final two minutes on route to a @utahhockeyclub victory! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/ZtRToZylpP
— NHL (@NHL) January 11, 2025
Barrett Hayton has been named the NHL’s third star of the week ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hayton registered 4-2-6 and scored two game-winning goals in four games. pic.twitter.com/h2lUbSAtfl
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 27, 2025
As demonstrated by his play in late January where he earned third star of the week honors with four goals and two assists, Hayton has the potential to be a high impact player for Utah.
The key for Hayton will be discovering how to replicate that kind of effort on a more consistent basis.
If he’s able to do so, Hayton could be a critical piece of Utah’s efforts towards truly competing in the postseason.
The Utah Hockey Club will now have 12 days off for the Four Nations Tournament before returning to play against the LA Kings on February 22. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
