Utah HC signs Matt Villalta to two-year, two-way contract

A young netminder is being locked in by the NHL’s “new” franchise.

On Wednesday, the Utah Hockey Club announced they had re-signed goaltender Matt Villalta to a two-year, two-way contract.

Villalta is coming off of his fifth year of professional hockey, and arguably his most successful. With Utah’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, the Kingston, Ontario native posted a 31-17-3 record in 51 appearances, ending up with a 2.54 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage with three shutouts. Villalta was also named to the Pacific Division roster at the All-Star Classic for the first time this past February.

The 25-year-old also made his NHL debut this season, coming in relief on Feb. 16 against the Carolina Hurricanes, before taking a loss in his first start on Feb. 19, giving up five goals against the Edmonton Oilers.

Villalta was originally selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the third round, 72nd overall, in the 2017 NHL Draft. He spent the first four years of his pro career within the organization, mostly with their AHL farm team, the Ontario Reign. In 159 AHL games, he has an 89-49-17 record with a 2.87 GAA and a .905 SV% with five shutouts. The former Soo Greyhound is also 2-4 with a 3.90 GAA in six playoff appearances.

Following the 2022-23 campaign, Villalta signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Arizona Coyotes, with an AAV of $775,000.

As a result of the signing, Utah has four goaltenders signed to standard player contracts next season, with 20 skaters as well. According to CapFriendly, the team is projected to have over $42.5 million in cap space.