SALT LAKE CIYU (KUTV) — Utah Hockey Club General Manager Bill Armstrong drafted 11 players and traded two more over the weekend in Las Vegas. He returned to Utah on Sunday morning and met with local media. David James spoke at length with Armstrong about investing in experienced defensemen to improve a team that was in the bottom third of the NHL in goals against last season, arguably the main reason the team missed the playoffs for the 11th time in the last 12 years.

However, a 14-game losing streak that coincided with rumors that players might have to leave the team and move to Utah is a major factor. Although Armstrong continues to try to lower expectations for the upcoming season, the numbers show that the team earned 77 points in just 68 games. Without that 14-game losing streak, the club theoretically could have earned 85 or 90 points. Now, add in the internal improvements and the addition of two experienced defensemen, and it's entirely possible to get 95 or 100 points. In the NHL's Western Conference, teams typically need to earn points in the mid- to high-90s to secure a playoff spot. DJ discussed those numbers with Armstrong and asked if expectations should be higher.

They also discussed the potential benefit of playing at high altitude and in a first-class arena filled with enthusiastic fans. How big of a boost will the team get if players leave a college arena in Arizona and move to the Delta Center?

Armstrong also spoke about the Sphere in Las Vegas. It provided a very different draft experience and although the NHL had the technological bells and whistles and the many celebrities, everyone felt that there would be new things to try at the next draft when the Sphere is back.

Watch the interview here and stay tuned to Takin' Sports, weekends on KUTV and weeknights on KMYU for all the latest Utah Hockey Club news.

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