Breaking News:

Three Things We Learned From André Tourigny’s Vegas/Utah Presser

Sep 27, 2024, 1:05 PM

Follow @kslsports...

SALT LAKE CITY – Ahead of the Utah Hockey Club’s preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, head coach André Tourigny shared his thoughts and several updates from training camp.

Here are three things we learned from Tourigny’s press conference.

Utah Hockey Club’s Nick Bjugstad is “weeks away” from returning but Nick Schmaltz is “good to go”

After sustaining an upper body injury, Utah Hockey Club forward Nick Bjugstad has been a scratch during camp. While he did take the ice this morning alongside Nick Schmaltz before the official morning skate took place, it will still be some time before Bjugstad is ready to return to the roster.

“He’s quite far away, weeks still.” Tourigny said.

However, for Nick Schmaltz who has been sidelined since Monday for “maintenance,” he is good to go and should return to practice tomorrow.

“Schmaltz is good to go, probably tomorrow for practice. If it would have been in the season, he would’ve missed a practice, not a game. Just want to make sure…just maintenance, nothing major.” Tourigny said.

While Schmaltz is set to return, Bjugstad will likely miss some time at the beginning of the regular season. With him sidelined, that will obviously impact the opening night roster and provide an opportunity for several forwards to continue fighting for a spot.

Cutting forwards will be tough for Andre Tourigny and the Utah Hockey Club

Speaking of the forwards, the Utah Hockey Club has their work cut out for them as they have a collection of talented wings but only so many spots on the roster.

Not only will the club have to pivot once Bjugstad returns, but currently Josh Doan, Michael Carcone, Liam O’Brien and Kailer Yamamoto are battling for what should be only two open spots.

That complicates things but is certainly a problem you want to have as a head coach.

“It will be tough at the end. Every day you are starting to look at the numbers, you look at how much we have to cut, and it will be a tough decision. It’s a great problem to have, that’s perfect. We’ll have a good player who unfortunately will not be able to find a spot so it’s their job to keep making our job as miserable as possible,” Tourigny said.

Like he said, it’s up to the players to continue making the coaching staff’s job difficult and tonight nearly all of them can as Carcone, Doan and Yamamoto will take the ice against Vegas.

Tij Iginla could make his Utah Hockey Club debut soon

The buzz around camp this week has been the return of 2024 No. 6 overall pick Tij Iginla who recently returned to the roster after being sidelined due to a lower body injury.

Following a solid week of camp, including a day of practice with group A, Iginla is looking good and will have an opportunity to dress on Sunday as long as he continues to progress.

“He will play on the third squad today,” Tourigny said. “If everything goes well, practice tomorrow, we can hope for him to be in on Sunday.”

In his first week back, Iginla has looked really good. He doesn’t seem to be bothered by injury and has been excellent offensively per usual. Based on how he’s looked, barring something unusual, he should dress for Utah on Sunday.

Utah Hockey Club Schedule

The Utah Hockey Club will continue their preseason against the Las Vegas Golden Knights on Friday night at T-Mobile Arena. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone.  Click here for the full schedule.

Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Bronny James Gifts BYU WR JoJo Phillips Signed Game Jersey

Bronny James reunited with his former high school teammate JoJo Phillips and gifted the BYU wide receiver a signed game jersey.

10 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Luka Doncic Carves Time To Sign Autographs For Fans In Utah

Luka Doncic made time on Wednesday to sign autographs for his fans in Utah as the Los Angeles Lakers faced the Jazz.

10 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Get Revenge Over Doncic, Lakers 131-119

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Jazz sent Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers into the All-Star break with a 131-119 loss. Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 32 points while the Lakers were led by Rui Hachimura who scored 19. Game Blog: Jazz Blowout Lakers In Salt Lake City Jazz Guards Stuff Stat […]

11 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Sink Lakers In Home Blowout

NBA-title hopeful Los Angeles Lakers take their traveling circus on the road to face the Utah Jazz three days after beating Utah by 19.

12 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Three-Point Barrage Helps Jazz Pull Away From Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY - The Utah Jazz are firing on all cylinders, building a 20-point lead over the superstar-laden Lakers late in the third quarter.

12 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Howard Eisley Returns To Delta Center As Jazz Host Lakers

SALT LAKE CITY - Former Utah Jazz backup point guard Howard Eisley is in the house at Delta Center tonight, returning to his former NBA home. 

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Three Things We Learned From André Tourigny’s Vegas/Utah Presser