Keller: Utah's offseason additions will push team in 'right direction'

Clayton Keller is a big fan of Utah's offseason moves ahead of the franchise's first season in Salt Lake City.

"All the guys that we traded for and signed are great players and guys that have won Stanley Cups or been in those high-pressure situations," he told ALLCITY Network's Craig Morgan. "I think that's only gonna help our group and push us in the right direction.

"We're at a time now where we really are taking that next step and we want to win. ... I think we're a fun team to watch."

Utah largely focused on its blue line this summer, bringing in Mikhail Sergachev, John Marino, and Ian Cole.

Keller and the Arizona Coyotes have missed the playoffs the last four seasons. They were in the fight in 2023-24 and only sat two points out of a wild-card spot in January, but their hopes were dashed by a 14-game winless streak.

The franchise appeared in the 2020 playoff bubble, beating the Nashville Predators in the qualifier before falling to the Colorado Avalanche in the first round. That showing was Keller's first and only taste of playoff action so far, and he impressed with four goals and seven points in nine contests.

However, the 26-year-old is feeling particularly driven after seeing good friend and fellow St. Louis native Matthew Tkachuk succeed with the Florida Panthers.

"I've had some decent seasons, but I haven't proven anything really," Keller said. "Where you really make the noise is in the playoffs, when you're in those high-pressure situations. It was just super cool to see Matthew Tkachuk win this year. Just seeing the performance he put on the last two playoffs is unbelievable and definitely motivating."

Though Keller's eight-season tenure in Arizona is now over, with the team's relocation to Utah, he was able to leave his mark on the franchise. His 86 points in 2022-23 tied Keith Tkachuk (1996-97) for the most points by a Coyotes player in a single season.

Keller totaled 76 points in 78 games this past season and has back-to-back 30-goal campaigns under his belt, but he's confident he can keep growing.

"I still have another level that I can get to, and I know I can get to it, and I will because of how I work and how much better my mindset has gotten throughout the years," he explained. "Before, I would let my emotions get in the way, but I have really put in work on that side of things; really believing in myself and having that strong mindset.

"I think that's what makes all the best players in every sport is the mind. I can't wait to get the season started."

Arizona selected Keller with the seventh overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft. He's scored 166 goals and 418 points in 520 career contests.