The Utah Hockey Club has yet to play a game in the NHL, but has officially signed the first draft pick in the club's history. Utah announced that they have signed forward Tizi Iginla, the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract.
The entry-level contract runs through the 2026-27 season and will pay Utah $975,000 against the NHL-level salary cap.
Iginla played parts of three years of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League, one season and several games with the Seattle Thunderbirds and will play the 2023-24 season with the Kelowna Rockets.
The son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla, Tizi has been climbing the draft rankings thanks to a successful 2023-24 season, scoring 47 goals and 37 assists for 84 points in 64 games with the Rockets.
Iginla's performance with the Thunderbirds in 2022-23 helped them win a WHL championship.
Iginla played for Canada at the U-18 IIHF World Junior Championship, scoring six goals and six assists for 12 points in seven games as Canada won the gold medal at the tournament.
Born on August 1, Iginla is just 17 years old and has a very bright future ahead of him. The Utah Hockey Club has high expectations and is excited to see what Iginla can bring to the table when he makes it to the NHL.
“I think what stood out was his work ethic, his athleticism and his willingness to play inside, which is so important in the NHL,” Utah's director of player development Lee Stempiak said. “That's where the goals are scored. [he has] That enthusiasm is amazing.”
Utah's general manager said Iginla could be the 50-goal scorer the team needs.
Utah is scheduled to make its NHL debut on Oct. 8 against the Chicago Blackhawks.
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