Utah's Defensemen Injuries Could Lead to Trade with Maple Leafs

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.”

Johnston noted that the trade market isn’t Utah’s first option, at least right now.

“With Sergachev, Durzi, and Marino all under contract through at least the 2026–27 season, the trade market isn’t viewed as an attractive short-term option for the club because it would cloud the picture once everyone is healthy,” Johnston wrote.

However, Johnston hinted that this strategy could change if Utah struggles with its current lineup.

That, paired with earlier reports about the availability of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren, could end up making for a mutually beneficial trade.

On Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast , Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman discussed Utah’s need for defense help, speculating that the Leafs blueliner could be on their radar.

"The vultures start circling, 'Ahhh you need a defenseman, you're short some guys, what can we separate you from that we value in return for a defenseman?'" Friedman said, not mentioning Liljegren in particular but hinting at the possibility given the context of the conversation.

Liljegren has struggled to find a place in Toronto’s lineup after the hiring of new head coach Craig Berube. The 24-year-old right-handed defenseman has been in and out of the Maple Leafs lineup, often serving as a healthy scratch.

While Liljegren has not requested a trade, according to the latest reports, the defenseman would approve a change of scenery if it brings larger opportunities and playing time.

Utah has started the season surprising everyone and posting a solid 4-2-1 record in its first season since relocating from Arizona ahead of the regular season.

Related: Maple Leafs' $6 Million Defenseman Linked to Needy Utah in Trade