John Marino's 2024-25 season with the Utah Mammoth was a study in contrasts, marked by both significant absence and steady, if unspectacular, contributions when healthy. Acquired as part of the relocation from Arizona, Marino was expected to solidify the Mammoth's defensive core, bringing a blend of experience and responsible play to the team's inaugural NHL season. However, a nagging lower-back injury sidelined him for a considerable portion of the year, limiting him to just 35 appearances.

Prior to the injury, Marino's role was clearly defined: a top-four defenseman tasked with providing stability and a calming presence on the blue line. His partnership with the more offensively inclined Mikhail Sergachev was envisioned as a key element of Utah's defensive strategy. The early part of the season saw Marino logging significant minutes, often exceeding 21 minutes per game, indicative of the coaching staff's trust in his ability to handle crucial situations.

Offensively, Marino's contributions were modest but consistent with his career norms. He tallied 1 goal and 13 assists, accumulating 14 points in total. While these numbers don't jump off the page, his playmaking ability and hockey sense were evident in his contributions to the team's puck movement and offensive zone entries. Marino's career NHL stats show 19 goals and 102 assists for 121 points over 363 games.

Beyond the raw statistics, Marino's value lies in his defensive acumen and positional awareness. He consistently makes smart decisions with the puck, prioritizing safe plays and minimizing turnovers. His plus/minus rating of +1 suggests that he was generally on the ice for more goals scored by his team than against, a testament to his defensive reliability. Marino also contributed 30 blocked shots, displaying a willingness to sacrifice his body to prevent scoring opportunities.

However, the recurring back injury undoubtedly hampered Marino's performance and limited his overall impact on the team. The injury, which eventually required surgery, kept him out of the lineup for an extended period and prevented him from establishing the consistent rhythm and chemistry that are so vital for a defenseman. While he managed to return to the ice and contribute in the latter part of the season, it's fair to assume that he was not at 100% health.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Marino's health will be a crucial factor in determining his role and effectiveness. If he can fully recover from the back surgery and regain his pre-injury form, he has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Mammoth. His experience, defensive capabilities, and ability to complement more offensive-minded partners make him a potentially key component of Utah's blue line. However, continued health issues could limit his playing time and impact, potentially forcing the team to explore other options on defense.

Overall, John Marino's 2024-25 season with the Utah Mammoth was a mixed bag. While he showcased flashes of his defensive prowess and steady playmaking ability, his contributions were ultimately limited by injury. His report card reflects this reality: a solid but unspectacular performance with a significant asterisk due to his health concerns.