The Hockeynews.com exclusive Summer Splash Series continues to assess every NHL team’s offseason, factoring in player additions, departures, as well as coaching changes. Teams are categorized into three groups: those who improved, those who regressed, and those who stayed about the same.
Today, we spotlight the ninth-ranked team, the Utah Mammoth, who have clearly strengthened their lineup this offseason. They’re now in the top tier of offseason performers but still just below teams that made more dramatic improvements. The Mammoth made strategic moves to boost their scoring and defense, enhancing their chances for success this year.
Key additions include right-winger JJ Peterka, left-winger Brandon Tanev, defenseman Nate Schmidt, and goalie Vitek Vanecek. Last season, Utah ranked 21st offensively, averaging 2.93 goals per game, so GM Bill Armstrong prioritized adding offensive firepower. Armstrong traded Matias Maccalli to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Peterka, who has scored 55 goals over the past two seasons and signed a five-year, $38.5 million contract with an average annual cap hit of $7.7 million.
Defensively, adding former Winnipeg Jets’ Brandon Tanev bolsters the fourth line, and signing Nate Schmidt from the Florida Panthers and Vanecek provides depth in defense and goaltending. Despite these moves, Armstrong still has $6.6 million in cap space remaining.
Departures included Matias Maccalli, Michael Boilling Ring, Nick Bjugstad, Vladislav Kortezun, and Robert Bortuzzo. None were core long-term players, indicating Armstrong’s focus on trading young assets like Josh Doan, who was part of the Peterka deal, for more experienced talent to push the team toward playoff contention.
Despite tough competition in the central division from teams like Dallas, Colorado, and Winnipeg, the Mammoths addressed key needs thoroughly. Peterka should easily exceed last year’s 30-goal mark, Schmidt adds top-tier defense from a recent Stanley Cup-winning team, and Vanecek provides reliable goaltending depth. These improvements give the Mammoth a good shot at overtaking rivals like the Minnesota Wild for a playoff spot.
Overall, Armstrong’s off-season moves make the Utah Mammoth a team with the depth, skill, and drive to contend. Fans have good reason to be excited as training camp approaches, though discipline and focus will be key for Utah to secure a wildcard playoff berth.
Summer Splash Rankings (Select List)
- Utah Mammoth
- New York Rangers
… - Winnipeg Jets
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Buffalo Sabres
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Fan Take: The Utah Mammoth’s savvy offseason moves demonstrate how strategic trades and targeted signings can transform a team’s playoff potential. For hockey fans, this signals a more competitive Central Division and potentially thrilling playoff races ahead, highlighting the sport’s evolving dynamics and excitement.
