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Utah’s Dylan Guenther could be a 40-goal scorer earlier than expected

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Hunter Crowther | Last updated 10/14/24

It’s been a magical start for Utah Hockey Club. After moving to Salt Lake City ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, Utah has been on fire, going 3-0-0 with wins over the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders and New York Rangers.

A large part of that success is forward Dylan Guenther, the franchise’s No. 9 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. After splitting last season between the Coyotes and their AHL affiliate, Tucson Roadrunners, Guenther is now a full-time NHLer, and he’s making the most of it. Through Utah’s first three games, Guenther has scored five of the team’s 16 goals, and has shown flashes of being an elite forward in this league.

On Monday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss the hot start for Utah and if both they and Gunther can keep it going.

Tyler Yaremchuk: Utah hockey fans are riding high, and it is in large part due to a new star in Dylan Guenther. Frank, I ask you earlier if he could be a guy with 40-goal potential, and your answer was, “Well he’s already 10 percent of the way there.” It’s not a stretch at all, because this is a guy who scored at a 30- and 35-goal pace last year, once he got recalled.

I think Guenther is going to be a star in this league and a centerpiece for this Utah team.

Frank Seravalli: Totally agree. I don’t think it’s a lock he gets to 40 goals, but I think he’s got a really, really good chance. He’s playing with quality linemates, the team is clearly counting on him, he has the ability to catch opponents by surprise, and Utah is not going to be an easy matchup.

He also moves way better than I envisioned or remembered. Seeing him in person last week, he flies. That’s going to be a really nice advantage for him. I think this Utah team, the way they’ve played so far, has not only been fun to watch, but it’s fascinating to see if they can continue to trade chances with some of the best teams in the league.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…