SALT LAKE CITY – John Marino had heard the rumors ahead of the 2024 draft.

On the morning of the draft, it was reported that the New Jersey Devils were actively trying to trade the experienced defenseman, with Vancouver being the expected destination.

The next day, Marino was traded to the new franchise in Utah.

Maybe it was because Utah wasn't being discussed as a possible transfer destination, or maybe it was because NHL players weren't used to thinking about the new franchise, but this move came as quite a surprise.

“You don't really know what to expect,” Marino said Wednesday in a Zoom call with local reporters. “I mean, there was no hockey team in Utah, obviously. Even as far as the location, I'm sure some people don't even know where it is.”

But with the unknown comes the exciting prospect of being part of a brand new team (even if it's mostly just the remnants of a previous team).

“I've heard nothing but good things about it, nothing but good things about the ownership, what it's going to be, the fans, the atmosphere, everything,” he said. “And I've talked to some of the guys from Arizona who have been there and they have nothing but good things to say about it. So I think it's going to be an exciting experience and it's always cool to be part of a new team in the NHL.”

The Marino deal was part of a busy weekend for the Utah Hockey Club. Shortly before Utah acquired him from New Jersey, the team had completed a deal for Tampa Bay defenseman Mikhail Sergachev – a 26-year-old rising defensive star.

These trades – as well as the signing of two more veterans in free agency to fill some gaps – have shown Marino that the young club has a future ahead of it.

“I think they're certainly sending the message that they want to be a competitive hockey team,” he said.

He remembers playing against the former Coyotes last season and thinking how dangerous they were, controlling the puck and attacking in transition.

“I mean, the ability of these young guys is incredible,” he said. “If they just believe in themselves, believe in their ability, then the rest will take care of itself.”

Still, he knows he and Utah's other new veterans can make a big contribution to helping the team take a step forward.

This spring, he did not play in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in his career. The other three key Utah signings have won five Stanley Cups between them. And they did it on purpose.

Utah is full of young and exciting players, but most have no experience winning at the NHL level. It helps if the players know what it takes to win at the highest level.

“It starts with the older guys teaching the younger guys and kind of teaching them the ropes,” he said. “What makes a successful team culture is just being a professional and going about your business every day.”

Like most players in the NHL, Marino followed the relocation drama closely. He watched from afar as the team was greeted in Utah by thousands of adoring fans and couldn't help but think it all looked “pretty cool.”

Now he will experience it first hand.

“It will be even more special to be a part of it,” Marino said.