The Utah Mammoth seem to be involved in just about every rumor leading into the 2025 NHL Draft. If the reports are accurate and they're looking to make a splash this summer, there’s a real possibility they’ll need to clear some cap space to do it.
One name that’s come up repeatedly over the last few seasons is Lawson Crouse. He’s been tied to trade speculation for a while now, so could this finally be the offseason where Utah moves on from him to open up space for upgrades?
It would definitely be bittersweet. Crouse has been a long-time member of the organization, spanning both the Arizona Coyotes era and now the Mammoth. But at the end of the day, the NHL is a business—and sometimes that means moving on from players to improve the roster.
If the Mammoth do decide to part with Crouse and his $4.3 million cap hit, they should be getting assets back in return. Contending teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and others would almost certainly show interest in adding a player like him, especially given his physical game and ability to contribute offensively.
That said, it’s worth remembering that the only reason Crouse would be on the move is if the Mammoth need the cap flexibility to make meaningful improvements. If they don’t need the space, it makes just as much sense to keep him in the fold. He still has two years left on his deal, and can absolutely be part of the group moving forward if the numbers work.
