Utah Hockey Club defenseman Sean Durzi will be sidelined indefinitely due to an upper-body injury, as confirmed by general manager Bill Armstrong. The injury occurred during a game against the New Jersey Devils when Durzi was hit by defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler while in possession of the puck.
Armstrong expressed uncertainty about Durzi’s return, stating that it doesn’t seem likely that he will be back on the ice anytime soon. This news comes as a blow to the team, as Durzi, who is set to turn 26 soon, has been a key player with two assists in four games this season.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Durzi was also involved in the first fight for the Utah Hockey Club since its transition from the Arizona Coyotes. He engaged in a physical altercation with Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy during a game on Oct. 8, which ended in a 5-2 victory for Utah.
Armstrong acknowledged the challenge of replacing Durzi in the lineup, emphasizing that while it’s impossible to fill his shoes completely, the team will look for alternatives. Whether it’s through promoting a player from within the club like Robert Bortuzzo or considering a call-up, the focus is on finding a way to compensate for Durzi’s absence.
Durzi’s career trajectory has been notable, having been drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second round of the 2018 NHL draft. Throughout his time in the league, he has amassed 21 goals, 87 assists, and 175 penalty minutes in 216 games while playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Coyotes, and Utah.
Following a successful season with the Coyotes, where he achieved personal bests in assists and points, Durzi signed a lucrative contract extension worth $24 million over four years. This extension was a testament to his value to the team and his potential for further growth in the seasons to come.
As the Utah Hockey Club navigates Durzi’s absence, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and seeking ways to adapt to the new lineup dynamics. The team will undoubtedly miss Durzi’s presence on the ice but will look to rally together in his absence.