Just two days ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, the Utah Hockey Club have re-signed forward Alexander Kerfoot and defenceman Ian Cole. During a very busy day in the NHL, Utah signed two contracts late Tuesday night. The 30-year-old Kerfoot agreed to re-sign in Utah on an one-year $3 million extension. Shortly after, defenceman Ian Cole agreed to a matching one-year, $3 million extension. Kerfoot has seven goals and nine assists in 61 games played for Utah this season.
#UtahHC extends Alex Kerfoot: 1 year x $3 million.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 6, 2025
Meanwhile, Cole has averaged over 20 minutes a nice for Utah while blocking 160 shots while playing in all 61 games this season.
Ian Cole signs a one-year extension with Utah HC worth $3M.
The comes with $2.8M in base salary and games played bonuses worth another $200,000.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 6, 2025
Utah Sign Kerfoot and Cole to Extension
Kerfoot joined the Utah organization as a free agent ahead of the 2023-2024 season when the team was still located in Arizona. During his first season with the team, Kerfoot scored 45 points while playing in all 82 games. The veteran forward has seen a large drop off in offence output this season, however, he can still be a valuable depth piece for a team hoping to push for the playoffs next season. The left-shot forward can play both wing and centre. This versatility makes him valuable even though his best hockey may be behind him. Utah will value having a veteran presence around their young talented core.
The short-term contract means Utah risks very little as he’ll be easy to move off of if he falls off dramatically. With the NHL cap expected to rise, the $3 million AAV should be no problem for Utah to handle next season.
Focusing in on Cole Utah
Much like Kerfoot, Cole is a valuable veteran piece nearing the end of his career. At 35 years old this very well could be the final contract for Cole. The 6-foot-1 left-shot defenceman plays a traditional shutdown style of hockey. He brings physicality, shot-blocking, and leadership to the Utah defence core. Cole leads the team with 160 blocked shots and played top-four minutes earlier in the year when several key defencemen were injured. When properly slotted Cole is a solid 3rd-pairing defenceman who can be relied on for consistency.
The past Stanley Cup champion brings much-needed experience to a young Utah team. Similar to Kerfoot, this extension is low risk for Utah.
Consistency For The Future
Utah is very unlikely to make the playoffs this season. However, this year should give fans reason for hope. Utah’s backend was decimated by injury early in the season and their young forwards may still need more experience. However, the talent for Utah is undeniable with exciting young players like Dylan Guenther, Logan Cooley, and top prospect Tig Iginla. These signings by Utah show that management believes this team can contend for the playoffs as soon as next season and resigning good veterans to support their young team should help them grow towards their goals.
Main Photo Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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