Agent Chris Armstrong to join Utah NHL club as top hockey decision-maker and alternate governor

With the Utah NHL franchise preparing its move to Salt Lake City, it sounds like the club is beginning to fill out its front office.

According to Alex Silverman of the Sports Business Journal, Utah has confirmed on Wednesday that Wasserman Agency’s Chris Armstrong will be joining the team as an alternate governor and, as described in the update, a “top hockey decision-maker”, although it’s unclear if there will be another official title given to Armstrong for the latter role.

Breaking at @SBJ: Utah's @NHL team confirmed @Wasserman's Chris Armstrong will be its top hockey decision-maker and an alt governor under owner @RyanQualtrics. GM Bill Armstrong (no relation) will report to Chris. @frank_seravalli had first news of talks. https://t.co/y5kc6UEfbh

— Alex M. Silverman🏒⚽️ (@AlexMSilverman) May 15, 2024

Daily Faceoff hockey insider Frank Seravalli initially reported on Sunday that Armstrong was rumoured to join the Utah organization, although his role had yet to be confirmed until Wednesday.

Sounds like Utah is beginning to fill out its front office. Is there room for another Armstrong?

Hearing rumblings that Wasserman agent Chris Armstrong could join Utah in a senior management role. (President?)

Armstrong attended Game 2 in Vancouver with Utah GM Bill Armstrong.

— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 12, 2024

Chris Armstrong, who attended Game 2 between the Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks with Utah General Manager Bill Armstrong, has advised Utah Owner Ryan Smith through the purchase of the Arizona Coyotes and their relocation to Salt Lake City.

His clients aren’t exclusive to the hockey world, as he predominantly works as a golf agent.

“Chris Armstrong is a heavy hitter in the golf world, representing Tony Finau and others,” Seravalli said Sunday on X. “Finau, of course, is from Salt Lake City, Utah.”

Chris Armstrong most recently represented Pittsburgh Penguins’ President and General Manager Kyle Dubas during his last negotiation with the Toronto Maple Leafs. As reported by Seravalli in May 2023, their relationship was reviewed by the NHLPA for potential violation of the Certified Agent regulations that govern the NHL’s agent activity.

The potential conflict arose because Wasserman Agency, which represented Dubas, also represented Maple Leafs’ forward Auston Matthews. This raised the question as to whether agents working for the same agency, but in a different division or arm of the firm, are prohibited from representing hockey executives.