As the Utah Hockey Club wrapped up its inaugural season, two young forwards stood out as potential cornerstone pieces of the team. Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther each had career years and nearly lifted Utah into the playoffs for the first time. Both players entered the season with high expectations, and exceeded them. Guenther and Cooley each took big strides in their development this season. Cooley recently had three points against the Nashville Predators, while Guenther recorded two assist against the Dallas Stars. The pair put the rest of the league on notice that Utah has two up and coming stars. This shows a promising future for them and the franchise.
Utah Hockey Club Forwards Quickly Becoming Rising Stars
Cooley, the dynamic centre wasted little time establishing himself as a key contributor. Known for his skating and puck-handling, Cooley showcased flashes of brilliance throughout the season. His vision on the ice and ability to drive plays made him a constant threat. The 20-year-old ended the 2024-2025 season with 65 points, surpassing his 44 from last year. This was good enough to finish second-place in team scoring, behind Utah captain Clayton Keller.
What a pass by the Captain
Cools makes it 3-1 game! pic.twitter.com/9vbqUCyUA3
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 15, 2025
While his early season was marked by moments of inconsistency, Cooley’s development trended sharply upward. As the season progressed, so did his confidence, leading to more assertive shifts, better puck management, and a growing presence in all three zones. By season’s end, he had not only improved his production, but also became a more complete player—an encouraging sign for Utah’s centre depth.
Meanwhile, Guenther, the winger and another former first-round pick, found his groove as the season wore on. Known for his quick release, Guenther continued to develop into a proven top-six forward. Early on, he adjusted to the demands of a larger role and tougher matchups, but his work ethic and steady improvement were evident.
The 21-year-old finished the season with a career-high 27 goals and 60 points, a significant jump from last year’s 18 and 35. Guenther proved he could handle increased minutes and special teams responsibilities, scoring 12 goals while on the power-play. Guenther’s offence will continue to grow, but he will need to round out his overall game to become a more complete player.
Birthday boy? Bubble boy? GUNNER SCORES!
Tie game, 3-3. pic.twitter.com/N9Yo9FWNnM
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) April 11, 2025
According to Moneypuck, Cooley and Guenther played 37 games on a line with Keller, Utah’s leading scorer. That surely helped in their growth. Cooley’s playmaking and Guenther’s scoring could form a dynamic one-two punch that fans in Utah will likely see for years to come.
What This Means for Cooley, Guenther, and Utah
As the off-season begins, the front office’s focus will shift toward re-signing their pending free agents, and possibly adding new players starting July 1. One thing is clear: with Cooley and Guenther leading the charge, Utah’s future is already starting to take shape—and it’s looking bright. Guenther is signed for eight more years, while Cooley has one more year remaining on his entry-level contract.
For a team laying its foundation in a new city, the development of Cooley and Guenther provides more than just highlight-reel plays—it provides belief. The chemistry they and their teammates displayed, both on and off the ice, was palpable in Utah’s late-season push for the playoffs. Their progression could help lure top free agents to Utah and speed up the franchise’s rebuild.
Main Photo: Jerome Miron- Imagn Images
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