Michael Carcone's 2024-25 season with the Utah Mammoth, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, marks another chapter in the career of the 29-year-old left winger. Signed to a one-year contract with the Mammoth, Carcone's performance during the season provides a basis for evaluating his contributions to the team.

Season Overview

In 53 games played, Carcone scored 7 goals and contributed 12 assists, accumulating a total of 19 points. His plus/minus rating was -7. Carcone registered 75 shots on goal, achieving a shot percentage of 9.3%. He also recorded 36 penalty minutes. His average time on ice was 11 minutes and 26 seconds, with 44 seconds on the power play.

AHL Success and NHL Transition

Carcone's journey to the NHL was paved with success in the American Hockey League (AHL). His outstanding performance with the Tucson Roadrunners, where he led the league in scoring with 85 points, earned him a two-year contract with the Arizona Coyotes. In his first full NHL season (2023-24), Carcone showcased his scoring ability with 21 goals, placing him fifth on the team, along with 8 assists for 29 points in 74 games.

Inaugural Season with Utah

Despite a strong preseason showing where he scored Utah's first-ever preseason goal, Carcone's regular season start was slow, and he was scratched for the inaugural game. His first point came in late November against the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he tallied two assists. He followed that up with his first goal of the season against the Golden Knights. However, he was frequently scratched throughout January.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Carcone's strengths lie in his scoring ability and his potential to contribute on the power play. In the 2023-24 season, he demonstrated his offensive capabilities by reaching the 20-goal plateau. However, his average ice time of 11:16 in that season was the lowest in his NHL career. In the 2024-25 season, Carcone's shooting percentage dropped from 18.9% to 9.3%. He was also a periodic healthy scratch, indicating inconsistency in securing a regular spot in the lineup.

Future Outlook

After the 2024-25 season, Carcone signed a one-year contract to remain with the Utah Mammoth. His role in the upcoming season remains uncertain, as he may have to compete for a spot in the bottom six. However, his past performance indicates that he can be a valuable asset if injuries occur and he gets the opportunity to move up the depth chart.