Juuso Valimaki's season with the Utah Hockey Club has come to a disappointing end as he underwent surgery for a torn ACL. The 26-year-old defenseman is projected to be sidelined for 8-9 months, significantly impacting his team's defensive depth. In 43 games this season, Valimaki recorded five points and averaged nearly 17 minutes of ice time, contributing both offensively and defensively. His recent call-up to the American Hockey League saw him play just one game before the injury struck, further complicating his comeback narrative.

Valimaki, a first-round draft pick by the Calgary Flames in 2017, has experienced a tumultuous career filled with injuries. This surgery marks a pivotal point in his journey as he aims to return to form next season. His absence will be felt not only by Utah but also in the broader landscape of his career as he works to regain his position within the NHL.

Juuso Valimaki, the Finnish defenseman, is set for a long recovery following ACL surgery, sidelining him for 8-9 months. This significant injury means he will miss training camp and likely the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. Valimaki, who was a first-round draft pick by Calgary in 2017, has seen his career take various turns, including a stint with the Arizona Coyotes before re-signing with Utah. With a $2 million contract for one more season, his absence will be a notable challenge for his team.

Juuso Valimaki, the Finnish defenseman for the Utah Hockey Club, faces a lengthy recovery after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL, sidelining him for approximately 8-9 months. This unfortunate injury means Valimaki will miss training camp and likely the first month of the upcoming NHL season. He recently cleared waivers and was assigned to the Tucson Roadrunners but only played one game with them this season.

A first-round pick by Calgary in 2017, Valimaki has had a turbulent journey in the NHL, including a prior stint with the Arizona Coyotes before re-signing with Utah, where he averaged 16 minutes of ice time over 43 games this past season. With one year remaining on his contract worth $2 million, his future with the team remains in question due to his injury.

In a thrilling matchup, the Minnesota Wild triumphed over the Utah Hockey Club with a 5-4 shootout victory. Matt Boldy was the standout performer, scoring the decisive goal in the shootout.

Marco Rossi's late equalizer sent the game into overtime, while Kirill Kaprizov contributed his 18th goal of the season. The Wild's defense initially stifled Utah, but Clayton Keller's two power-play goals sparked a comeback for the home team.