Hayton posted two assists, two shots on goal and a plus-2 rating in Tuesday's 6-1 preseason win over the Sharks.
Hayton is healthy again after missing the last month of 2023-24 with a lower-body injury. The 24-year-old center signed a two-year, $5.3 million contract with Utah this offseason, setting him up to be at least a key middle-six forward. He could push for the first-line job with Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz on his wings. Hayton showed promise with a 43-point season in 2022-23, but he was limited to 10 points in 33 games last year due to two significant injury absences. He's played a full season just once in the last three years, but he if he can stay healthy, Hayton is an intriguing breakout candidate.