As the Utah Mammoth gear up for the 2025-26 NHL season, two players, Connor Ingram and Lawson Crouse, are poised to be significant factors in the team's success. Both bring unique skill sets and experiences to the table, making them players to watch as Utah establishes its identity in the league.
Connor Ingram, a 28-year-old goaltender, has had a career marked by perseverance and dedication. Drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2016, Ingram's journey to becoming a full-time NHL goalie has been anything but conventional. He has played for multiple teams in the AHL and NHL, including the Nashville Predators and the Arizona Coyotes. Ingram's mental health struggles are well-documented, as he entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program on multiple occasions. In March 2025, Ingram entered the program and had been cleared to return to play in August. He was awarded the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2024, which honors a player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
In the 2023-24 season with the Coyotes, Ingram posted a 23-21-3 record with a .907 save percentage and a league-leading six shutouts. After the Coyotes' franchise was suspended and the team assets were transferred to the Utah Hockey Club, Ingram became a member of the Utah team. During the 2024-25 season, Ingram played 22 games for Utah, recording a 9-8-4 record. Heading into the 2025-26 season, Ingram is in the final year of his three-year contract with a $1.95 million cap hit. With Karel Vejmelka and Vitek Vanecek also on the Mammoth's roster, Ingram may need to compete for his role. However, he is determined to get back into action. Ingram's ability to perform consistently and provide stability in net will be crucial for the Mammoth.
Lawson Crouse, a 28-year-old winger, brings a combination of size, skill, and grit to the Utah Mammoth. Drafted 11th overall by the Florida Panthers in 2015, Crouse was traded to the Arizona Coyotes in 2016. Known for his physical play, Crouse has earned the nickname "The Sheriff" from teammates and fans. Crouse is signed to a five-year, $21.5 million contract with a cap hit of $4.3 million per season. His contract expires at the end of the 2026-27 season, making him an unrestricted free agent. In 504 games with the Coyotes, Crouse recorded 103 goals, 94 assists, 1,383 hits and 289 blocked shots.
Crouse is hoping to be a key figure in the team's push for the playoffs. In the 2022-23 season, Crouse set career highs with 24 goals, 21 assists, and 45 points. In 2025-26, Crouse will earn a base salary of $4.8 million while carrying a cap hit of $4.3 million. Besides his on-ice contributions, Crouse is seen as a leader and mentor for the team's younger players. His experience and work ethic set a positive example for the rest of the roster.
As the Utah Mammoth embark on their second season, the contributions of Connor Ingram and Lawson Crouse will be vital. Ingram's goaltending and Crouse's blend of physicality and scoring touch will be relied upon. Both players have the potential to be major factors in the team's success in 2025-26.
