The Utah Hockey Club has secured goaltender Karel Vejmelka with a five-year contract extension, marking one of several recent efforts to retain key players and prevent potential free agents from departing Salt Lake City after short stints. The agreement, valued at $23.75 million, reflects the club’s confidence in Vejmelka’s role moving forward, although specific financial details were not officially disclosed.
Chris Armstrong, president of hockey operations, praised Vejmelka for his calming presence on the ice, asserting, “Karel’s confident demeanor helps set the tone for our team every day.” Armstrong emphasized the importance of having Vejmelka as a cornerstone of the team’s future, attributing the decision to the goaltender’s ability to consistently deliver crucial saves.
As part of the deal, Vejmelka, 28, will carry a $4.75 million cap hit starting next NHL season through 2030. His extension is seen as a significant move to keep the organization’s leading goaltender during his prime years, especially as Utah eyes a playoff contention status in the near future.
General Manager Bill Armstrong commented on Vejmelka’s contribution, stating, “Karel has been integral to the success of our team this season.” He highlighted Vejmelka’s competitiveness and skill in solidifying a critical position within the team.
In other roster developments, Utah recently extended defenseman Olli Maatta’s tenure for three more years, alongside new deals for defenseman Ian Cole and forward Alexander Kerfoot, running through the 2025-26 season.
Maatta’s $10.5 million contract comes after his successful integration following a trade from Detroit, rejuvenating the 30-year-old’s career far from his consecutive Stanley Cup wins with Pittsburgh in 2016 and 2017. Kerfoot and Cole, seen as valuable assets both on and off the ice, will count $3 million against the salary cap next season. Armstrong lauded Kerfoot for his leadership and versatility, while Cole’s experience and work ethic, especially as he prepares for his 16th NHL season, were highlighted.
Cole’s agreement includes a base salary of $2.8 million with added performance incentives possible under an over-35 contract. “Ian’s championship pedigree, work ethic and leadership on and off the ice are valuable assets to our group,” said Bill Armstrong, expressing his satisfaction in retaining Cole as the team pushes for playoff contention.
As the season approaches its final stretch, the Utah Hockey Club—formerly the Arizona Coyotes before a relocation to Salt Lake City—stands on the brink of securing a wild-card slot in the Western Conference playoffs. The team’s competitive position has dissuaded the management from engaging in a wholesale roster change ahead of the trade deadline.