With the NHL off-season almost in full swing, it is time to look at what the Utah Mammoth needs to do with their goaltending position.
As of right now, they have Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram on the books for next season. However, with a lot of uncertainty regarding the future of Ingram, that leaves a hole at the backup goalie position.
If Ingram isn't expected to be ready for the start of training camp, GM Bill Armstrong will need to find a reliable backup on the open market to play behind Karel Vejmelka.
There are a few potential targets that Utah can sign when free agency opens:
Alex Lyon, who has been a very reliable backup over the last numerous of seasons for various different teams. This season, he had a record of 14-9-1 along with one shutout, that would pair very good with Vejmelka.
Ilya Samsonov, has been a starter for the better part of his career. However, over the last two seasons, he has become a tandem goalie/backup and would fit well on Utah's team. This past season with the Vegas Golden Knights, he had a record of 16-9-4 and two shutouts. If he can get back to the level he was at in 2023-24 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, when he had a record of 23-7-8. It would make the Mammoth goaltending duo of him and Vejmelka very good, giving the team the best chance to make the playoffs.
Other names that could interest Utah are:
- Alexander Georgiev
- Dan Vladar
- Anton Forsberg
If the Mammoth hears about the future of Ingram, there could be a chance that they stick it out with him and Vejmelka. However, if not, they need to bring in someone else who can be a reliable goalie at the NHL level.
Aside from making a big splash at the 2025 NHL Draft or free agency, they need to address their goaltending position so they can punch their ticket into the 2026 NHL playoffs.
