Sean Durzi is finally coming back to the Utah lineup, just in time to face his old team. The 26-year-old defender will suit up against the Kings on Saturday after missing four months following shoulder surgery.
It’s been a long road back for Durzi, who only managed to play four games this season before getting hurt in October.
The timing couldn’t be better for Utah. They’re making a push for the playoffs and could really use his offensive skills from the blue line.
Last year was Durzi’s breakout season. He put up impressive numbers with the Coyotes – 41 points in 76 games, including 32 assists. That performance earned him a sweet four-year, $24 million deal with Utah.
“He’ll start on the third pair with Olli Maatta as we ease him back in,” head coach Andre Tourigny told Deseret News.
Before the injury, Durzi was already showing what he could do in a Utah uniform, picking up two assists and playing solid defense in his first four games. Then a hit from Devils defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler changed everything.
His return makes Utah’s defense look pretty scary. For the first time this season, they’ll have Durzi, Mikhail Sergachev, and John Marino all available – three top-tier defenders who can move the puck and play big minutes.
The Kings might be kicking themselves for letting Durzi go. He spent his first two NHL seasons in Los Angeles, where he quickly proved he belonged, averaging nearly 20 minutes per game and racking up 65 points in 136 games.
Utah’s playoff hopes are still alive, but they’ve got work to do. They’re six points behind Vancouver for a wild-card spot, with only the Canucks and Flames standing in their way.
MoneyPuck gives them a 15.8% chance at making the postseason. Beat the Kings on Saturday, and those odds jump above 20%.
The team will need to make a roster move before activating Durzi – they’re already at the maximum 23 players. But that’s a small price to pay for getting back a defender who can change their season.
