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.
