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SALT LAKE CITY — John Marino had heard the rumors leading up to the 2024 draft.
On the morning of the draft, it was reported the New Jersey Devils were actively looking to move the veteran defenseman. Vancouver was the expected landing spot.
The next day, Marino had been traded to the new franchise in Utah.
Maybe it was because Utah wasn't talked about as a potential trade destination, or maybe it's due to NHLers not being used to thinking of the new franchise, but that move came as a bit of a surprise.
"You don't really know what to expect," Marino said Wednesday in a Zoom call with local reporters. "I mean, obviously, there hasn't been an Utah hockey team in general. Even location-wise, I'm sure some people might not even know where it is."
But with the unknown comes the exciting prospect of being part of a brand new team (even if it's mostly the remnants of a former one).
"I've heard nothing but great things about it, nothing but great things about the owner, what it's going to be, the fans, the atmosphere, everything," he said. "And talking to some of the guys that have already been out there from Arizona, they have nothing but good things to say about it. So I think it's going to be an exciting experience, and it's always cool being part of a new team in the NHL."
The deal for Marino was part of a busy weekend for the Utah Hockey Club. Moments before Utah landed him from New Jersey, the team swung a deal for Tampa Bay defenseman Mikhail Sergachev — a 26-year-old budding defensive star.
Those trades — plus adding two more veterans in free agency to shore up some holes — showed Marino the future is coming soon for the young club.
"I think they're sending a message, for sure, that they want to be a competitive hockey team," he said.
He remembers playing against the former Coyotes last season and thinking how dangerous they were controlling the puck and attacking in transition.
"I mean, the skill level on these young guys is incredible," he said. "If they just trust themselves, trust in that skill, the rest kind of takes care of itself."
That said, he realizes he and Utah's other new veterans can play a big role in helping the team take a step forward.
This spring was the first time in his career he wasn't playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Utah's other three key roster additions have won a combined five Stanley Cups between them. All of that was intentional.
Utah is full of young and exciting players, but most haven't experienced winning at the NHL level. It helps to have players know what it takes to win at the highest level.
"It starts with the older guys instilling that in the younger guys, and kind of teaching the ropes," he said. "What makes a successful team culture is just being a pro and going about your business every day."
Like most players in the NHL, Marino followed the relocation drama closely. He watched from afar as the team was welcomed in Utah by thousands of eager fans, and couldn't help but think that all of that looked "pretty cool."
Now, he'll get to experience it firsthand.
"It's going to be even more special to be a part of it," Marino said.
