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The Utah Hockey Club announced Clayton Keller would be the team's first-ever captain. Utah is set for its first season in the NHL in 2024-25.
The team was created on April 18 in a deal that saw Utah acquire hockey assets (players, coaching staff and draft picks) from the Arizona Coyotes. But the team is considered brand-new, so none of the Coyotes' records or history will carry over to Utah.
With that, ahead of the 2024-25 NHL season, Utah named Keller its first captain in franchise history.
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Keller is entering his ninth NHL season, and many fans thought he deserved to be named captain.
"It’s about damn time," a fan added.
"Good choice," a fan wrote.
Keller was selected seventh overall by Arizona in the 2016 NHL draft.
"The correct choice," a fan added.
"Someone check on those Coyotes fans," a fan wrote.
Last season, Keller recorded 33 goals and 43 assists for 76 points in 78 games.
"Well deserved congratulations Clayton Keller," a fan wrote.
"My broken Coyote heart," a fan added.
Keller has been the star player for the Coyotes for years, so many expected him to be the captain. The Hockey Club will open its inaugural NHL season on Tuesday at home against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Clayton Keller 'honored' to be the first captain in Utah history
Clayton Keller says he's honored to be named the first-ever captain for Utah.
The team made the announcement on Tuesday, and in a statement, the star forward said he isn't taking the role lightly.
"I'm extremely honored to be named captain of Utah Hockey Club," Keller said . "I'm grateful for this opportunity and want to thank the entire organization for believing in me.
"I understand it's a privilege to be a captain in the NHL and a huge honor to know that management, coaches and my teammates have the belief in me to lead this team. It's a huge responsibility and one I have prepared my whole life for. We have a room full of great leaders, and together, we will work hard to achieve our goal of becoming a playoff team."
In his NHL career, Keller has played in 520 games, recording 166 goals and 252 assists for 418 points.
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