Juuso Valimaki

Valimaki accounted for two goals, three assists, 40 shots on net, 49 blocked shots and 23 hits across 43 regular-season appearances with Utah in 2024-25. He also spent some time as a healthy scratch before landing on waivers in late February. Valimaki lost his spot in the lineup when the team got defenders back from the injury list. He sustained a season-ending knee injury shortly after heading to the minors, resulting in surgery to repair a torn ACL. Valimaki received a timetable of 8-9 months for his recovery, which could result in him being out until at least early November. Once he’s healthy, he could report to the AHL to shake off the rust, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be promptly recalled once he’s back up to speed. If Valimaki sees time in the NHL, he should be a solid source of blocks.