NHL Rumblings: Utah Plans, Leafs Decisions, Rangers Reshuffle
The NHL offseason is heating up, with several teams already making moves and laying the groundwork for the 2025-26 season. Let's dive into the latest news surrounding the Utah Mammoth, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers.
Utah Mammoth: A Calculated Approach
The Utah Mammoth, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, are preparing for their inaugural season in Salt Lake City. While many fans anticipated a splashy free-agent signing, it appears General Manager Bill Armstrong is taking a more measured approach. Rather than chasing a single superstar, the Mammoth are expected to focus on smart spending and long-term growth, spreading their resources across multiple players to build a well-rounded roster. Chris Johnston reported on June 9, 2025, that the team will spend money but "maybe not on one person.” This strategy suggests the Mammoth are prioritizing sustainable success over a quick fix, a move that could pay dividends in the long run. The team officially revealed their permanent name as the "Utah Mammoth" on May 7, 2025, along with a new logo and uniforms, retaining the same color scheme. Smith Entertainment Group is fast-tracking the Utah Hockey Club's practice facility project with the goal of having the training center up and running in time for the 2025-2026 season.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Navigating a Crossroads
The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing significant decisions this offseason after another disappointing playoff run. With key players like Mitch Marner and John Tavares potentially hitting unrestricted free agency on July 1, General Manager Brad Treliving has a lot to consider. Head Coach Craig Berube has publicly stated he would "100 percent" like to retain both Marner and Tavares. However, Marner, coming off a six-year, $65.4 million contract and his first 100-point season, may be seeking a fresh start elsewhere and is expected to command a significant raise that Toronto might be unwilling to pay, given their lack of postseason success. Elliotte Friedman mentioned on May 21, 2025, that Marner has positioned himself to become the NHL's highest-paid winger or even the highest-paid player, rebuffing the Leafs' earlier attempts to negotiate. The team traded away several high draft picks in recent years, meaning that rebuilding the team through the draft will be difficult for the next few seasons. Three Maple Leafs players will see changes to their trade protection clauses on July 1: Anthony Stolarz, Brandon Carlo, and Jake McCabe.
New York Rangers: A Roster Reshuffle
The New York Rangers are embarking on a significant offseason overhaul after falling short of expectations this past season. The most notable move so far has been trading long-time winger Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks. The Rangers will receive prospect Carey Terrance and a third-round pick in exchange for Kreider and a fourth-round pick. The Ducks are taking on the full remainder of Kreider's contract, which has a $6.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons. This move frees up much-needed cap space for the Rangers, allowing them to pursue free agents and potentially present offer sheets to restricted free agents. As Russ Cohen of Sportsology told Full Press Hockey, "if they could trade him (Kreider), they will trade him.” General Manager Chris Drury is clearly aiming to reshape the roster and create a team that can contend for a Stanley Cup. The Rangers also fired head coach Peter Laviolette and brought in Mike Sullivan. Other names that were mentioned in trade talks include K'Andre Miller, with reports suggesting that the Rangers are testing the trade market for him. The team will be aggressive this offseason as management believes they are still in win-now mode.
These three teams, each in very different situations, exemplify the activity and intrigue that make the NHL offseason so compelling. Whether it's a new team finding its identity, a contender trying to stay on top, or a team looking to rebuild, the coming months promise to be full of exciting developments.
