Mammoth Are Ready to Start Stomping

The Utah Mammoth are going to be in a dogfight within the Central Division for the foreseeable future. With a growing fan base, a deep prospect pool, and an owner willing to do what it takes, the Mammoth are headed in the right direction. However, it remains to be seen if this is the group that can get the job done.

Two seasons ago, Utah purchased the hockey assets of the Arizona Coyotes. Known as the Utah Hockey Club last season, the team now has its permanent Utah Mammoth identity. With a new state-of-the-art practice facility, an upgraded arena in the Delta Center, and a promising young roster. The Mammoth’s goal is to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in Utah history. Five teams from the Central Division made the NHL playoffs last season. The Mammoth will need to stomp one or two of those teams out of their way.

Mammoth: Key Additions and Departures

Additions

J.J. Peterka, RW
Brandon Tanev, RW
Nate Schmidt, D
Vitek Vanecek, G

Departures

Matias Maccelli, LW (TOR)
Michael Kesselring, D (BUF)
Josh Doan, RW (BUF)
Nick Bjugstad, C (STL)

Offense

The Utah Mammoth finished 21st in the league with 241 goals last season. It’s one of the reasons why Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong went out this summer and acquired JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. Peterka, who registered 55 goals over his last two seasons, should help increase the Mammoth’s offensive output.

Clayton Keller exceeded 65 points last season. He was the only Utah player to do so. However, between himself, Logan Cooley, JJ Peterka, Dylan Guenther, and Nick Schmaltz, the Mammoth have a loaded top-six full of goal scorers. A group that also includes Barrett Hayton. He set career highs with 20 goals and 46 points last season. He is also dominant in the faceoff circle.

Defense

Mikhail Sergachev is clearly the Mammoth’s number one defenseman. He registered 15 goals and 38 assists for 53 points last season. Having Sean Durzi and John Marino healthy gives the Mammoth a solid three top defensemen. They are lacking a clear 4th (top-four) guy, but the addition of Nate Schmidt will help. Olli Maatta and Ian Cole round out the Mammoth’s main six defensemen to start the season. The team also has Dmitri Simashev or Maveric Lamoureux waiting in the wings.

Goaltending

Karel Vejmelka will begin the 2025-26 season as the Utah Mammoth’s number one goaltender. He posted a 26-22-8 record in 58 games last season. He recorded a 2.58 GAA and a .904 SV% with one shutout. With the trade of Connor Ingram to the Edmonton Oilers, Vejmelka’s backup this season will be Vitek Vanecek. Vanecek posted a 5-14-4 record in 25 games split between the San Jose Sharks and Florida Panthers. He served as the Panthers’ backup during their Stanley Cup championship run.

Coaching

Expectations for the Mammoth are high, and only getting higher. Head Coach André Tourigny is looking to lead this team into the Playoffs for the first time under his tenure. The trio of John Madden, Blaine Forsythe, and Mario Duhamel, who are holdovers from the Arizona days, round out Tourigny’s coaching staff with the Mammoth.