The Utah Mammoth are poised to be major players in the trade market as the NHL trade deadline approaches. According to TSN Insider Chris Johnston, the team is not just looking for depth but is prepared to make a significant move to acquire a high-end talent.
Johnston highlighted the Mammoth as a team to watch, emphasizing their strong start to the season and their clear ambition to make the playoffs. The organization has made it known both internally and externally that securing a playoff spot is a priority. This ambition, combined with the team's assets, positions them to be aggressive in pursuing upgrades to their roster.
General Manager Bill Armstrong has been given the green light by the ownership group to make impactful acquisitions. The Mammoth have considerable resources, including a projected $20 million in cap space by the trade deadline, a first-round pick, three second-round picks, and two third-round picks in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. They also possess a pool of prospects that they may be willing to trade, giving them the flexibility to target expensive, impactful players.
While Johnston didn't name specific players, he suggested that the Mammoth might be targeting a top-four defenseman. Some names that have been circulating in trade rumors include Rasmus Andersson, Mike Matheson, and Connor Murphy, though the list of potential targets is expected to grow as teams fall out of playoff contention.
The Mammoth have already made significant moves to improve their roster, such as trading for JJ Peterka in the offseason. This acquisition signaled their intent to compete, and they are now looking to build on that foundation. The organization is also becoming an attractive destination for players due to how well they treat players and their families.
With a promising start to the season and a clear mandate to improve, the Utah Mammoth are well-positioned to be one of the most active and impactful teams in the trade market leading up to the deadline. Their combination of assets, cap space, and organizational commitment makes them a team that other general managers will be watching closely.
