Utah’s first playoff push showed promise, but keeping the right pieces may matter more than adding new ones.
The Utah Mammoth don’t need to overhaul their roster this summer—they need to protect what’s already working.
After a spirited first-ever playoff appearance that ended in six games against the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah finds itself at a critical turning point. The Mammoth briefly controlled the series with a 2–1 lead, a glimpse of what this young, evolving group is capable of. Now, the priority shifts from chasing outside help to retaining the players who helped establish that identity.
Three Key Free Agents Utah Can’t Afford To Lose
Kailer Yamamoto
Yamamoto’s impact grew as the season unfolded, and by the playoffs, he looked like a natural fit in Utah’s top six. After lighting up the AHL, he carried that confidence into the NHL with 23 points in 59 games, then elevated his play even further in the postseason. Skating alongside Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther, he contributed five points in six playoff games and brought energy, pace, and offensive creativity that complemented Utah’s young core. Letting that chemistry walk out the door would be a gamble.
Kevin Stenlund
Stenlund may not headline highlight reels, but his importance is undeniable. He anchored Utah’s penalty kill, led the league in shorthanded ice time, and consistently handled difficult defensive assignments. Even as his offensive numbers dipped, his reliability in key moments—especially in the faceoff circle and on the kill—made him one of the coaching staff’s most trusted options. Players with that kind of defensive discipline are difficult to replace.
Alexander Kerfoot
Kerfoot’s season was disrupted by injuries, limiting both his availability and offensive rhythm, but his versatility still gives him value. When in the lineup, he adapted into a more defensively responsible role, contributing on the penalty kill and filling gaps across multiple forward spots. In a league where depth often determines playoff success, Kerfoot provides flexibility that allows coaches to adjust on the fly.
With high-end prospects like Tij Iginla and Daniil But pushing for roster spots, Utah doesn’t have unlimited space. But continuity matters—especially for a team still building its identity. Re-signing the right veterans ensures that the next step forward doesn’t come at the cost of everything they’ve already built.
