The Utah Hockey Club will be without two key defensemen for a significant part of the season, as Sean Durzi and John Marino are set to miss multiple months following surgeries, the team announced Wednesday.
Sean Durzi’s Shoulder Woes
Sean Durzi, 26, underwent surgery on his right shoulder, an injury sustained during a collision with New Jersey Devils’ Jonas Siegenthaler on October 14. Durzi was carrying the puck in Utah’s 3-0 loss at Prudential Center when the hard hit forced him out of the game. The recovery process is expected to sideline Durzi for four to six months, putting his return to play in question for the remainder of the regular season.
Durzi, in his first year of a four-year, $24 million contract, was off to a promising start with two assists in four games. Known for his puck-moving ability and defensive presence, his absence leaves a gap in Utah’s blue line. The 26-year-old has been a cornerstone player for Utah, and his prolonged absence will undoubtedly be a blow to the team’s defensive efforts.
John Marino’s Debut Delayed
John Marino, 27, has yet to make his debut for Utah after being acquired from the New Jersey Devils at the 2024 NHL Draft. Marino underwent surgery on his lower back, an issue that has plagued him since preseason. His recovery is expected to take three to four months, meaning Utah will have to wait until at least February to see him in action.
The loss of Marino adds to the defensive strain for Utah, as the club had hoped his experience and reliable two-way game would bolster their back end. Utah’s blue line, now missing two top players, is entering a crucial part of the season with a thinner defense corps.
Maveric Lamoureux Called Up
In response to the injuries, Utah has recalled defenseman Maveric Lamoureux from the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners. The 20-year-old, who was a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, has shown early promise with two goals and one assist in four games for Tucson this season. Lamoureux could make his NHL debut as early as Thursday, when Utah hosts the Colorado Avalanche.
Though raw, Lamoureux’s size (6’7″) and offensive potential make him an exciting prospect for Utah fans. While it’s a tall task to step into the shoes of seasoned veterans like Durzi and Marino, the young defenseman has an opportunity to showcase his abilities on the big stage.
What This Means for Utah
Utah’s defensive depth will be tested in the coming months as they navigate the long absences of Durzi and Marino. With expectations high for the season, the team will need to rely on younger players and veteran leadership to stay competitive, especially in a highly contested division.
As Utah fans brace for a challenging stretch, all eyes will be on how the team adjusts without two of its defensive mainstays.
