As we continue on with the "Getting To Know" series, we look at another new addition by the Utah Mammoth. This time it is Stanley Cup-winning goalie Vitek Vanecek, and his journey to signing with the Mammoth this offseason.
Vanecek, 29, started his career with the Washington Capitals after he was drafted by the organization in the second round of the 2014 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut in the 2020-21 season, where he appeared in 37 games and had a record of 21-10-4 with a .908 save percentage (SV%) and a 2.69 goals-against average (GAA).
After a season where he showed a ton of promise, he went on to play another season with the organization and posted a 20-12-6 record with a .908 SV% and a 2.67 GAA. After two seasons with the Capitals, he was traded to the New Jersey Devils for 2022 second and third-round picks. His time with the Devils was good, but short. In his two years with the organization, he posted a 50-20-7 record with a .903 SV% and a 2.73 GAA. In his first year, he had a 33-win season. Unfortunately, in his second year, he struggled and only won 17 games.
After the two years with the Devils, he was traded yet again, this time to the San Jose Sharks. He only spent 18 games with the organization, and during that time he posted a record of 3-10-3 with a .882 SV% and a 3.88 GAA. Just before the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, he was dealt to the aforementioned Panthers and would serve as the backup. In his short time with the Panthers, he only appeared in seven games and had a 2-4-1 record with a .890 SV% and a 3.00 GAA.
This past July 1, he signed with the Mammoth and will serve as the backup to fellow countryman Karel Vejmelka, at least until Connor Ingram makes his return. However, at this time, it is still unknown if he will return this season.
On the bright side for the Mammoth, if Vanecek can get back to his previous form, even as a backup and win 15-20 games, it'll make Utah a much better team and hopefully help punch their ticket to the 2026 playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Getting To Know Utah Mammoth's Brandon Tanev
The Utah Mammoth added a handful of veteran players to their roster so far this summer. One of the biggest signings of the offseason was Brandon Tanev. So, let's get to know him better and see what he brings to the roster.
Utah's Nate Schmidt Has Big Opportunity With New Club
For a lot of Utah Mammoth fans, Nate Schmidt might be best known as the veteran defenseman who signed for under $1 million with the Florida Panthers and went on to win the Stanley Cup. But that’s not the whole story. Sure, he earned that deal, but Schmidt’s had a pretty solid NHL career. And if he can tap into that level again in Utah, this could quietly become one of the best signings of the summer.
Utah Mammoth Should Take Advantage Of Cap-Strapped Teams
The Utah Mammoth have a real chance to take advantage of cap-strapped teams before the 2025-26 NHL season gets going. With $6.6 million in projected cap space and their roster basically set, they could land an impact player from a team that's tight against the ceiling and needs to move someone out.
Key Dates To Watch In Mammoth's 2025-26 Schedule
The 2025-26 season schedule has been out for a little under a week now, and there are a few key dates to watch for. The Utah Mammoth have made some very good moves this off-season that should set themselves up for success. They also have some key dates that fans will be interested in viewing. With their improvements this summer, it should bring on more rivalry games, as well as more pressure-packed games down the stretch. Here are a few games to mark on your calendar as we slowly head toward the start of the NHL season.
Utah Mammoth Should Target Blue Jackets' Yegor Chinakhov
With the recent news of Yegor Chinakhov requesting a trade and the uncertainty of if he will actually be moved, the Utah Mammoth should reach out and figure out where things stand.