In this series, Heavy Sports is looking at what every NHL team has done over the offseason. Next up is the Utah Mammoth. The Mammoth had an impressive season last year as they posted a 43-33-6 record. This was good for 92 points, which gave them a spot in the postseason. However, their playoff run was short as they were ousted in round one by the Vegas Golden Knights.
Who are Utah’s Additions?
Key additions: Sebastian Cossa, Zac Jones, Anders Lee, Andrew Peeke, Joshua Roy, Vincent Trocheck
Utah have made a few notable additions this summer. The big one is forward Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers. Trocheck has made his mark as a versatile utility player who can play strong on both ends and all situations. He recorded 16 goals and 37 assists for 53 points in 67 games with the Rangers last season. Anders Lee was also added to the forward core from the New York Islanders. He brings 14 years of NHL experience with him as he suits up for a different squad for the first time in his career. Lee registered 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points in 82 games with the Islanders last season. Andrew Peeke is s solid depth add on the back-end. Sebastian Cossa is a promising young goaltender who the team acquired from the Detroit Red Wings. He replaces Vitek Vanecek as the team’s backup in net. In terms of extensions, defenseman John Marino resigned on a long-term eight year $54 million contract.
Who are Utah’s Subtractions?
Key subtractions: Andrew Agozzino, Cole Beadoin, Ian Cole, Sean Durzi, Alexander Kerfoot, John Peterka, Maksymilian Szuber, Vitek Vanecek
The most notable loss for this team is forward J.J Peterka as he moves on to the Boston Bruins. The club opted to move Peterka after a disappointing campaign, in which he failed to gel with his new team after having been acquired the previous summer from the Buffalo Sabres. Peterka amassed 25 goals and 22 assists for 47 points in 82 games this past season. Veteran defenseman Ian Cole departed for the Chicago Blackhawks.
This looks to be a dangerous Utah team that should once again be in the mix next season. They will count on their youth core continuing to show progression and drive the bus forward. It will be a challenge to return to the postseason for this group in what projects to be a loaded Central division, per usual. With that said, there is enough talent on this team for them to be able to take that next step into ascending as a potential Stanley Cup contender down the line. The key to success will come through the play of their top young guns. Logan Cooley will be one to watch, they could use more from him next year in their hopes of making another jump in the standings. Barret Hayton is another important piece that they could use more production from. The goaltending is the big question mark; what can Cossa do in his first true opportunity at the NHL level?
All transactions are available via Puck Pedia.
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