SLC Puck podcast: Utah will depend heavily on newly-extended Vejmelka down the stretch

Estimated read time: Less than a minute

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Hockey Club made waves at the trade deadline, not for acquiring or sending out any players, but rather with a slew of contract extensions.

Most notably, the Club inked goaltender Karel Vejmelka to a 5-year deal. SLC Puck host Austin Facer thinks it was a move worth celebrating for Utah, and also notes that each transaction the Club makes is done with a bigger picture in mind.

Utah has depended on "Veggie" a lot this season, and will have to do so even more down the stretch. The team announced on Sunday that fellow goaltender Connor Ingram would be stepping away for mental health treatment via the NHL Player Assistance Program. Facer explains what that is and why it matters.

With Ingram away, each game continues to be critical for the Utah Hockey Club's playoff hopes. Facer explains that the team still has a fighting chance, but will have to play nearly perfect hockey to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. That means keeping an eye out for every opponent, regardless of record.