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
Utah Should Make Push To Acquire Stars' Jason Robertson
With the recent news that the Dallas Stars could potentially be shopping Jason Robertson this summer, the Utah Mammoth might have a real shot at taking two big swings—one at the 2025 NHL Draft and another when free agency opens on July 1.
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.
Utah Mammoth Reportedly Open To Trading Their Fourth Overall Pick
Over the last few days, there’s been plenty of buzz surrounding the Utah Mammoth and the possibility of them taking a big swing this offseason. It all started when Elliotte Friedman mentioned that he feels <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/utah/latest-news/nhl-insider-believes-utah-is-the-team-to-watch-this-summer" target="_blank">Utah is the team to watch this summe</a>r on the 32 Thoughts podcast. Since then, multiple follow-up reports have surfaced—including one suggesting Utah is open to moving the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
'Logan Drooly' To Represent Utah In 2025 Stanley Pup Competition
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Utah Should Target Rasmus Andersson From The Flames
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Smith Entertainment Group Announces The Launch Of "NashCast Podcast"
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Mammoth Should Consider Offer Sheeting Wild's Marco Rossi
With free agency less than a month away, teams are starting to figure out which players they want to target. For the Utah Mammoth, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently called them the team to watch this summer. They've already been linked to some big names thanks to their cap space — but there might be another move worth exploring.