Dylan Guenther is here to stay.
The Utah Hockey Club and the 21-year-old forward agreed to an eight-year contract, the team announced Friday.
“This is a very happy day for me and my family,” Guenther said in a news release. “Everything about this organization is on the right track, and I know we have an opportunity to do some special things here for a long time. Utah is where I want to be, and I’m proud to commit to my teammates and the organization long term.”
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported that the extension had 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.
“There isn’t a better example than Dylan when we talk about the combination of talent and character that we are so excited to build a new franchise with here in Utah,” Chris Armstrong, president of hockey operations for Utah Hockey Club, said in a news release. “Today is another exciting day for our organization and our fans who will come to love Dylan, not just as a hockey player but as a member of our community.”
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.”
