UTHC Preseason Report Card: Dylan Guenther

Gunner’s Arsenal: Locked and Loaded for Utah’s Future

Dylan Guenther, known by his teammates as ‘Gunner’ for his lethal shot, is quickly establishing himself as one of the Utah Hockey Club’s core offensive weapons. After being selected ninth overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Guenther has steadily risen through the ranks and just signed an eight-year extension with Utah, committing to the team long term. At only 21 years old, Guenther is already taking aim at a bright future, armed with what is developing into one of the most dangerous shots in the league.

(Credit: Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

Thinking about Guenther and what he means to this franchise is like thinking about the moment everything changed for Utah’s future. The Coyotes had been mismanaged for years, saddled with the disastrous Oliver Ekman-Larsson contract and a barren prospect pipeline, compounded by a first-round pick forfeited due to a cheating scandal. Enter Bill Armstrong, and with him, a turning point. When Armstrong pulled off the trade that netted a top-10 draft pick, and Guenther miraculously fell to them, for the first time in years – maybe ever – the franchise simply made the right move. It was a signal of a legitimate front office finally taking the reins, a watershed moment for a team desperate for direction. To see Guenther now, locked in until 2033, is thrilling. His signing represents the culmination of that moment when the franchise's future finally felt clear, poised for long-term success, with Guenther at the forefront.