The Utah Mammoth have acquired defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames. This move bolsters their blueline as they push for their first playoff berth.
The Mammoth are sending defenseman Olli Maatta, prospect Jonathan Castagna, and three second-round draft picks in the 2026 draft to the Flames. Weegar is a 32-year-old veteran defenseman playing in his 10th NHL season.
For this deal to happen, Weegar had to waive his no-trade clause, which was first reported by Sportsnet. He is signed through the 2030-31 season with a $6.25 million annual cap hit. After next season, his full no-trade clause becomes a 10-team no-trade list.
Maatta needed to be included in this deal with the Flames. It is the only way to make the salary cap work for adding Weegar. The 31-year-old veteran defenseman is signed through 2027-28 with a $3.5 million cap hit. He’s been the odd man out in Utah this season. Playing in only 22 games and averaging 12:10 in ice time. That’s way down from playing 70 games and averaging 19:55 last season.
Castagna is a 20-year-old unsigned third-round draft pick in 2023. He’s a center in his third season with Cornell University, with 32 points in 29 games this season. As for the three second-round picks, they include the Mammoth’s own, one from the New York Rangers, and one from the Ottawa Senators.
Utah Hopes Weegar is the Missing Piece
Weegar is looking for a fresh start with the Mammoth. His point totals mirror the Flames’ disastrous season. He’s registered three goals and 18 assists for 21 points in 60 games. To make matters worse, his minus-35 is the worst rating in the NHL this season. The Mammoth are hoping that Weegar will rediscover his game with a change in scenery and a new defense partner. Utah could pair him with top defender Mikhail Sergachev.
Weegar is going from the third-worst team in the Western Conference to a Utah team that’s contending for a playoff spot. They are currently in the first wild-card spot. If they make it into the playoff, it will be their first playoff appearance since the franchise relocated to Salt Lake City in 2024.
