Jack McBain has been with the franchise through its Arizona and Utah eras, and his growing leadership could put him in position for an even bigger role with the Mammoth.
Jack McBain has been around for nearly every step of the Utah Mammoth’s journey.
He was there in Arizona. He made the move to Utah. And this past season, he finally got to experience something the franchise had been chasing for years: meaningful playoff hockey.
Now, McBain wants to be part of what comes next.
“I think it’s been fun growing with the team,” McBain said at the end of the season.. “Kind of starting with the guys in Arizona, and now in Utah, and seeing everybody grow individually, and how it affects the team, and watching the team grow together.”
That growth was evident last season, when the Mammoth reached the playoffs for the first time since relocating to Utah. The experience ended with a first-round loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, but McBain believes the disappointment can ultimately become another step forward for a young franchise.
“It’s hard once you’re in the fight and you’re playing there,” McBain said. “Losing hurts. It’s still really fresh, but I think it’s a very positive step for the group and a bright future.”
McBain has plenty of reason to believe he can help lead that future.
The 26-year-old was selected 63rd overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2018, but didn’t make his NHL debut until 2021-22 with the Arizona Coyotes. He has since become one of the longest-tenured members of the organization, playing 75 games last season and recording nine goals and 16 assists.
His best offensive season came in 2024-25, when he scored 13 goals and added 14 assists.
But perhaps more important than the numbers is what McBain said he learned this season.
“I think I continue to learn more, kind of more off the ice, and going with the guys, and what it takes to try to be a leader within the team,” he said.
That could become increasingly important for the Mammoth.
McBain is one of the players who has experienced the franchise’s transition firsthand, and his voice could carry more weight as Utah looks to build on its first playoff appearance.
Could that eventually mean an assistant captaincy? It’s certainly something worth watching.
McBain also missed most of the playoffs because of injury, appearing in only two games against Vegas. With a full offseason to recover, he should have a chance to return healthy and ready for another step forward.
And if he can pair that with continued growth as a leader, McBain could become an important piece of Utah’s next step — both on the ice and inside the locker room.
