SALT LAKE CITY – Just ahead of the NHL trade deadline on Friday, multiple reports confirmed that the Utah Hockey Club has officially signed goaltender Karel Vejmelka, forward Alexander Kerfoot and defenseman Ian Cole to new extensions.
Busy week for #UtahHC – reported on Monday they made progress with Vejmelka, that deal is now done at 5 years x $4.75 million. The Kevin Lankinen deal with #Canucks helped set the table. https://t.co/igCRG7SC0a
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) March 6, 2025
Karel Vejmelka signs long-term deal with Utah Hockey Club
Arguably the most important of them all, the Utah Hockey Club extended fan-favorite and netminder Karel Vejmelka on Wednesday night.
According to Senior NHL Columnist Pierre LeBrun, the contract is a five-year extension with Vejmelka earning $4.75M per season.
Posting a .910 SV% (15th in the NHL) and 2.45 goals against per night (tied for 8th in the NHL), Vejmelka has played the best hockey of his career in a Utah sweater.
The result? A talented goaltender who appreciates the love, recognizes the opportunity and wanted to remain in Utah.
“For sure. I don’t have reasons to change anything. It was the first thing on my mind to be part of the team,” Karel Vejmelka said prior to the new contract this week.
“We are like big family now. I would like to be part of it for a couple more years.”
Vejmelka on if he wants to be in Utah long term:
“For sure. I don’t have reasons to change anything. It was the first thing on my mind to be part of the team.”
“We are like big family now. I would like to be part of it for a couple more years.” pic.twitter.com/2nCNYKZ0tZ
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) March 4, 2025
Utah Hockey Club extends Ian Cole and Alexander Kerfoot to one-year deal
While fans have been anxiously awaiting the extension of Vejmelka, Utah also locked up veterans Kerfoot and Cole to one-year, $3M contracts.
Per Utah HC,
The club has signed Alexander Kerfoot to a one-year extension.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) March 6, 2025
Utah HC has signed defenseman Ian Cole to a one-year contract extension.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) March 6, 2025
Appearing in all 61 games for Utah this season, Cole has provided a reliable veteran presence on the blue line and impressively leads the NHL in blocked shots (160).
“Ian’s championship pedigree, work ethic and leadership on and off the ice are valuable assets to our group, and we’re thrilled to have him remain with our organization as we fight for a playoff spot,” GM Bill Armstrong said.
As for Kerfoot, he too has provided veteran leadership amongst the forwards and boasts a well-respected locker room presence.
“Alex is an important leader for our group with his versatility on the ice and leadership off the ice, and we look forward to having his continued contribution as we fight down the stretch to make the playoffs,” Armstrong said.
Next For The Utah Hockey Club
The Utah Hockey Club will now face the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night at Little Caesars Arena. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
Cole Bagley is the Utah Hockey Club insider for KSL Sports. Keep up with him on X here. You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
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