The Utah Mammoth had a promising first season in the NHL, led by captain Clayton Keller and a young, exciting core. While they fell short of making the playoffs, there is optimism surrounding the team’s future.
As the Mammoth look to retool in the offseason and make a push for the playoffs next season, there are five key players and personnel who will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future.
- Logan Cooley: The 21-year-old forward had an impressive season, scoring 25 goals and tallying 65 points in 75 games. However, with his entry-level contract set to expire, the Mammoth will need to negotiate a new deal with Cooley. If he continues to perform at a high level, it could be challenging for the team to keep him.
- Josh Doan: Another young talent on the team, Doan showed promise as a middle-six player with 19 points in 51 games. Like Cooley, he is also entering the final year of his entry-level contract. His development and future contract negotiations could impact the team’s salary cap situation.
- The scouting staff: After moving up to the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, the Mammoth’s scouting staff faces pressure to make the right selection. A successful pick could further strengthen the team’s young core, while a misstep could be a missed opportunity.
- Bill Armstrong: The GM of the Mammoth will have to navigate a unique offseason with around $20 million in cap space to fill out the roster. With several RFAs up for new contracts, Armstrong must make strategic moves to maximize the team’s potential within the salary cap constraints.
- Andre Tourigny: As the head coach, Tourigny will be tasked with taking the Mammoth to the next level. With the team aiming to become serious playoff contenders, Tourigny’s coaching decisions and ability to elevate the team’s performance will be crucial in the upcoming season.
Overall, the Utah Mammoth have a bright future ahead, but the decisions made by these key players and personnel will be instrumental in shaping the team’s success. With a talented young core and management committed to winning, the Mammoth have the potential to make a strong push for the playoffs in the upcoming season.
