Juuso Valimaki is facing an expected recovery period of 8-9 months following surgery to address a torn ACL, as announced by Utah Hockey Club’s GM, Bill Armstrong. The Finnish defenseman, aged 26, was recently waived and assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners, part of the American Hockey League. Valimaki appeared in one game for them on February 28.
With his recovery timeline, Valimaki will likely miss the NHL training camp and at least the first month of the 2025-26 season. He remains under contract for another year, earning a salary of $2 million.
Originally drafted by Calgary in the first round in 2017, Valimaki participated in 84 games, both regular-season and playoff, for the Flames before the Arizona Coyotes claimed him off waivers in October 2022. He renewed his contract with Utah in June after their relocation from Phoenix to Salt Lake City. This season, Valimaki has averaged 16 minutes on the ice across 43 games before being sent to the minors.
