The Utah Hockey Club finds itself in a tough spot defensively after two significant injuries, raising the possibility of a trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Last week, Utah’s defenseman Sean Durzi sustained an injury, and it was confirmed today that he will be sidelined for 4-6 months following shoulder surgery. The team announced Durzi has already undergone the procedure and is expected to return around the end of the regular season in 2025.

Additionally, defenseman John Marino is out for 3-4 months due to lower back surgery. Both players were key to Utah’s defense, with Durzi, in particular, coming off a career-best season where he tallied 41 points.

NHL insider Chris Johnston reports that the team plans to fill these gaps internally for now. In response, they’ve called up Maveric Lamoureux, their 2022 first-round pick.

However, if Utah is serious about pushing for a playoff spot in their inaugural season, they may need to address their sudden lack of defensive depth. This situation has sparked speculation that the team might pursue Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren, who has already been linked to trade rumors this season. Fans are suggesting that Liljegren could be a great fit, as he shares similar attributes to Durzi, including his right-handed shot and power play capabilities. Public analytics and the eye test alike indicate the two players have comparable roles and skills.

Will Utah make a bold move so early in their history? Time will tell, but they have become a team to watch in the trade market.