Ryan Kennedy and David Alter discussed the front-runner for Utah's NHL team name and what the jerseys could look like next season. Ryan Smith [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA2ODk5MjE0MzU2MDYzMjgz/usatsi_21926916_168400847_lowres.jpg] Ryan Smith Last week, NHL Utah owner Ryan Smith provided a big update regarding Utah's potential team name. Smith shared on The Pat McAfee Show that there are four finalists [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/utah/latest-news/trending-on-twitter-thursday-school-says] and noted that Yeti and Mammoth are among them. Hearing that Yeti and Mammoth are among the finalists to be Utah's team name is not surprising. Back in April, I ranked the original eight names [https://thehockeynews.com/news/from-hockey-club-to-yetis-ranking-eight-potential-utah-nhl-team-names] trademarked and had both of them in the top three. While Mammoth would be a good name to go with, the Utah Yeti would be the best. From a marketing standpoint, Utah would have much to work with by going with Yeti as its team name. There is a perfect fit to have a professional hockey team named after a mythical creature known for living in the snow. The logo and merchandise have lots of potential to be spectacular. The Yeti would also make for a great NHL mascot. Going with the Utah Yeti would also create or enhance two new rivalries in the NHL. The Colorado Avalanche and Utah teams would immediately connect because they're in neighboring states and will compete with each other in the Central Division. Having the Yeti would be like a Battle of the Snow, and it would add some more backstory to a new rivalry. The Avalanche once had a yeti foot as a shoulder logo [https://x.com/icethetics/status/612344310109868032], and their original mascot was Howler the Yeti [https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/next/colorado-avalanche-original-mascot-howler/73-9fbc1541-4b82-4e68-b337-0c93a7ca66e0]. However, Utah would also spark a rivalry with the Seattle Kraken if it goes with Yeti. The Kraken, of course, are named after a mythical creature as well. There would naturally be some bantering among both clubs' fans about whether the beast of the mountains or the monster of the seas comes out on top. With the Kraken still being a young team in the league, they would benefit from having a new rivalry. Ultimately, Yeti is not only an excellent choice but also has the chance to provide more entertainment on the ice and for fans. It really should be a no-brainer for Utah to go with Yeti for its name. What do you think should be Utah's team name? Let us know below or by joining our forum here [https://thehockeynews.roundtable.io/THNHOME/posts/TnIynDxtx569OY7iABfi].
