Dylan Guenther is here to stay.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Friday that the Utah Hockey Club and the 21-year-old forward were “closing in” on an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of just above $7 million. Guenther signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes in August 2021, and is now entering the final season of that deal.
Guenther impressed in the latter half of the 2023-24 season after getting called up from the team’s AHL affiliate the Tucson Roadrunners. Guenther skated in 45 NHL games last year and posted 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists). The right-winger connected well with center Logan Cooley, and that’s been a consistent combination in Utah Hockey Club training camp this week.
“We’re different players and we just complement each other,” Guenther said of Cooley. “He’s puck-possessive, shifty, skilled and he’s kind of a flashy player. I can kind of get open and try to create room and we can create offense out of it.”
Arizona Coyotes' Dylan Guenther skates past fans as players warm up for an NHL hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. The Coyotes are moving to Salt Lake City in a deal that could be signed less than 24 hours after the game. Hockey could return, perhaps within five years, but the stark reality is this is the end for the foreseeable future. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Guenther, who was selected ninth overall by Arizona in the 2021 NHL Draft, is pushing to be a regular on the Utah roster this season. He said he worked on all aspects of his game over the summer, and is focusing on being reliable in all three zones to supplement his scoring ability.
With a new contract, the Edmonton native has the opportunity to shape the identity and legacy of what it means to play Utah hockey. Coming into the team’s inaugural season, he’s got big goals — and, evidently, the trust of management.
“If we want to compete for a playoff spot and be in the race, the first five games are important. …Starts now, starts in camp,” Guenther said. “The harder we battle and go to work this week, it will prepare us for the season and the important games down the stretch. We’ll be ready for it.”
