Utah Mammoth Offseason Preview: Trocheck Addition Fuels Playoff Push

Utah finished fourth in the Central Division with 92 points in 2025-26, missing the playoffs by a narrow margin. The front office responded by adding veteran center Vincent Trocheck in a trade with the Rangers and matching New Jersey's offer sheet for Barrett Hayton, keeping a young core intact while adding proven depth. The moves address center ice and defensive depth without sacrificing the team's long-term flexibility.

Last season in review

The Mammoth posted a 43-33-6 record and outscored opponents 268 to 240. Clayton Keller led the team with 88 points on 26 goals and 62 assists. Dylan Guenther emerged as a 40-goal scorer with 73 points, while Nick Schmaltz added 33 goals and 74 points. The offense was potent, but goaltending was a concern. Karel Vejmelka went 38-20-3 with a .897 save percentage, a number that will need to improve for Utah to take the next step. The team's goal differential was solid, but inconsistent play in net cost them points down the stretch.

Ins and outs

• In: Vincent Trocheck (acquired from the New York Rangers for Sean Durzi, a prospect, and a draft pick)
• In: Anders Lee (signed as a free agent, three years, $16.2 million)
• In: Andrew Peeke (signed as a free agent, one year, $1 million)
• In: Zac Jones (signed to a two-year, two-way contract)
• In: Vadim Moroz (signed to a two-year, entry-level contract)
• In: Barrett Hayton (retained by matching New Jersey's offer sheet)
• Out: Sean Durzi (traded to the New York Rangers)

The big question

Can Karel Vejmelka's save percentage climb above .900? The Mammoth scored enough goals to compete, but Vejmelka's .897 mark ranked near the bottom of the league among starters. If he can find consistency or if the team adds goaltending help, Utah has the firepower to contend for a wild card spot. If not, they risk another season on the outside looking in.

X-factor

Vincent Trocheck. The 33-year-old center brings playoff experience and two-way reliability to a team that needed help down the middle. nhl.com reported Trocheck sees "a lot of potential" with the Mammoth. If he can anchor the second line and provide leadership, Utah's depth chart looks much stronger. His faceoff ability and penalty-killing prowess could be the difference in tight games.

Bold prediction

Utah sneaks into the playoffs as the second wild card in the Western Conference. The Trocheck addition stabilizes the center position, and Dylan Guenther builds on his 40-goal campaign with another strong year. The Mammoth edge out a Central Division rival in the final week of the season.

The outlook

Utah enters 2026-27 with a clear identity: a high-scoring team that needs to tighten up defensively and get better goaltending. The front office made smart, targeted moves to address depth without mortgaging the future. If Vejmelka can post even league-average numbers, this team has the pieces to compete for a playoff spot. The Central Division remains tough, but the Mammoth are no longer a rebuilding project. They are ready to win now.