Utah Signs Dylan Guenther to 8-Year, $57.14M Contract Extension

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Hockey Club announced the signing of forward Dylan Guenther to an impressive eight-year extension valued at $57.14 million. This deal, finalized on Friday, will see Guenther’s annual salary cap hit calculated at just over $7.14 million for the duration, which extends through the 2032-33 NHL season. At only 21 years old, Guenther has quickly established himself as a key player for the franchise, which transitioned from the Arizona Coyotes to its new home in Salt Lake City earlier this year.

General Manager Bill Armstrong expressed enthusiasm about the signing, stating, “Dylan is elite in every aspect on and off the ice. He is a young, highly skilled forward with a shot that’s evolving into one of the best in the NHL. He’s also a first-class person with a strong determination to be great. We look forward to having Dylan as a core player for this organization for many years to come.”

During the previous season, Guenther split his time between the Coyotes and the American Hockey League’s Tucson Roadrunners. In the NHL, he contributed 18 goals and 17 assists, totaling 35 points in 45 games. His performance reflects a promising career trajectory.

Chris Armstrong, president of hockey operations, highlighted Guenther’s significance to the team, saying, “There isn’t a better example than Dylan when we talk about the combination of talent and character that we are so excited to build a new franchise with here in Utah. Today is another exciting day for our organization and our fans who will come to love Dylan, not just as a hockey player but as a member of our community.”

Guenther hails from Edmonton, Alberta, where he also played his junior hockey. He was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Since making his NHL debut, he has tallied 50 points across 78 career games, showcasing both potential and skill in his early years.

Expressing his commitment, Guenther said, “This is a very happy day for me and my family. Everything about this organization is on the right track, and I know we have an opportunity to do some special things here for a long time. Utah is where I want to be, and I’m proud to commit to my teammates and the organization long term.”

With this new contract, Guenther now holds the longest active contract among players in the organization, surpassing defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, who was acquired from Tampa Bay and is signed through 2031. Other notable contracts on the roster include forward Clayton Keller and defenseman Sean Durzi, both signed through 2028.

The Utah Hockey Club’s decision to secure Guenther for the long haul signifies not only faith in his talent but also an investment in the team’s future. As the franchise builds its identity in Salt Lake City, Guenther is set to be a cornerstone of the team’s aspirations for years to come. His evolution as a player, combined with his dedication to the community, positions him as a fan favorite and a vital component of the team’s long-term success.

As the season unfolds, fans and team officials alike will be eager to see how Guenther’s performance matches the promise he has shown thus far. His ability to develop further under the right guidance could play a crucial role in the Utah Hockey Club’s pursuit of success in the competitive NHL landscape.