With training camp underway, the Utah Mammoth have seven players participating with them after all seven agreed to professional tryout contracts (PTOs). Joining the Mammoth on PTOs are centers Sammy Walker and Ryan McGregor; wingers Ty Tullio and Austin Poganski; defenseman Lleyton Moore; and goaltenders Dylan Wells and Dryden McKay.
All seven players have the opportunity to participate in the Mammoth’s training camp and some preseason games. However, Utah does not own the rights to these players. Any team could swoop in and sign them during the preseason, especially if other teams like what they see and think that player would be an asset. For the Mammoth, having these players at camp gives them a better look at each player and a slight advantage over other teams.
Of the seven at camp on a PTO, Poganski is the one with the most NHL experience. He played 22 games with the St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets. The 2021-22 season is when he last played in the NHL as a member of the Jets. Most recently, he’s spent the past two seasons in the Arizona Coyotes/Utah Mammoth organization, so he’s familiar with the team and management group. He never played in the NHL for them because he wasn’t signed to an NHL contract for either season. Last season, he registered 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points in 71 games with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL.
Sammy Walker is also slightly familiar with the Mammoth’s system and management group. After registering 11 points in 13 games for the Iowa Wild, he was dealt to the Utah Mammoth for future considerations. As a member of the Tucson Roadrunners, Walker registered 22 points in 31 games before becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s hoping the PTO leads to an NHL contract.
Goaltender Dylan Wells spent the past two seasons with the Coyotes/Mammoth organization, but wasn’t signed to an NHL contract for either season. He compiled a 3-3-1 record with a .900 save percentage in 10 games with the Roadrunners last season. He also compiled a 7-9-3 record with a .896 SV% in 20 games with the Allen Americans in the ECHL. The Mammoth have a crowded net, but having Wells at camp could lead to a bigger role for the AHL Roadrunners or a new opportunity with a new team.
