Sat, Jun 29, 2024 at 12:00pm

MARINO MOVED TO UTAH

The Utah Hockey Club acquired defenseman John Marino and a fifth-round draft pick in 2024 (No. 153 overall) from the New Jersey Devils for a second-round draft pick in 2024 (No. 49 overall) and a second-round draft pick in 2025.

What does it give the Utah Hockey Club
Utah continues to bolster their blueline with the addition of Marino. He could form a new top pairing beside recent acquisition Mikhail Sergachev. Marino burst onto the scene with the Penguins before playing in New Jersey the last few seasons. He is known for his defensive game and ability to kill penalties. He should complement Sergachev and Sean Durzi nicely on a much-improved D corps in Utah.

What does it give the New Jersey Devils
The Devils moved Marino after he had a down season in 2023-24. Was that a by-product of the team's struggles? Maybe. It is widely reported that the Devils wanted to moved him to free up a spot to sign Brett Pesce in free agency. Whether that plan works out will be determined in the coming days. In the meantime, the two second-round draft picks are a fair return for defensive defenseman Marino.

Fantasy impact
Marino impacts play in the NHL way more than he will ever impact fantasy teams. His role focuses on defense, and there will not be much power-play time in Marino's future with Sergachev and Durzi already on the team. No need to have Marino on the fantasy radar.