Utah HC’s blue line is set to face significant challenges after the team announced long-term injuries to two of their top defensemen, Sean Durzi and John Marino.
Both players were expected to miss ample time, but the newly formed franchise announced the worst possible news on Wednesday as it revealed the exact timelines for their return.
Durzi and Marino are now officially expected to be sidelined well into the new year, placing immense pressure on Utah’s defensive depth just seven games into their inaugural season.
The team confirmed that Durzi would miss 4–6 months after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder, while Marino is expected to be out 3–4 months following a procedure on his lower back.
This blow leaves Utah with only Mikhail Sergachev as their healthy, experienced blueliner from their top trio, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the franchise will chase replacement on the trade market.
The Athletic’s Chris Johnston shed light on how Utah initially plans to navigate the absence of these two key players.
The team recalled 20-year-old defenseman Maveric Lamoureux from AHL Tucson,” Johnston said. “It’s a sign of how Utah plans to navigate the immediate path forward.
“The team intends to patch things together with internal solutions in the absence of Durzi and Marino, at least initially.”
