The 2025-26 season is almost here and with that comes The Hockey News' Yearbook that was released just last month. 

One of the pieces that stands out is when the THN staff predict where each of the 32 teams will finish. So, for the Utah Mammoth fans, here is the THN's prediction for the tram and where they will finish in the Central Division. 

Check out the excerpt below and consider subscribing right now to get a copy of the yearbook here. There's never been a better time.

The Mammoth roam the earth once again - in Utah, at least. After a season as the Utah Hockey Club, the team unveiled its permanent name in May and is now focused on a push toward the Stanley Cup playoffs.

GM Bill Armstrong set perfect expectations for the team last summer, saying the goal was to play meaningful games late in the season. Utah delivered, staying competitive until the final stretch. Now, the Mammoth aim to take the next step. The off-season brought major moves. Utah won big at the draft lottery, jumping 10 spots to land the No. 4 pick. Just before the draft, the Mammoth traded Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring for rising star JJ Peterka. With their pick, they selected center Caleb Desnoyers. Free agency brought in key veterans, including defenseman Nate Schmidt and left winger Brandon Tanev, rounding out a roster built to take a mammoth step forward.

OFFENSE

Clayton Keller led the way in Utah's first NHL season with a career-high 90 points (30 goals). Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther each topped 60 points, while Nick Schmaltz added 63. Despite the production, Utah finished tied for 20th in goals scored. The addition of Peterka, who posted 68 points last season, adds firepower to the top six. Tanev, signed to a three-year deal in free agency, brings needed grit and leadership. The Mammoth's forward depth includes Kevin Stenlund, the team's most reliable faceoff man, and Alexander Kerfoot, who earned an extension for his two-way play. Lawson Crouse is aiming to rebound after a down year.

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DEFENSE

Mikhail Sergachev got his chance to be a No. 1 defenseman last season and made the most of it. His average time on ice - 25:07 over 77 games - led Utah skaters, anchoring a blueline decimated by injuries. The loss of Sean Durzi (52 games) and John Marino (47 games) placed a heavy burden on Sergachev for much of the season. His load was eased by the acquisition of Olli Maatta and a full 82-game effort from Ian Cole, both of whom signed extensions around the trade deadline. Shortly after trading Kesselring to Buffalo, Utah added Schmidt, one of the league's best third-pairing defensemen.

Barring injuries, the Mammoth will be stable and well-rounded on the back end.

GOALTENDING

Karel Vejmelka had a breakout in 2024-25 and became a cult favorite in Utah, posting career bests in goals-against average and save percentage. He signed a five-year extension after taking over the No. 1 role when Connor Ingram entered the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. With Ingram's status unclear, Utah added Vitek Vanecek as the presumptive backup to Vejmelka.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Keller and Guenther were integral to Utah's power play last season. Guenther led the team with 12 PP goals, while Keller topped the squad with 27 PP assists. Trailing Keller in assists on the man advantage was Sergachev, who recorded 20. Sergachev also played a key role on the penalty kill, alongside Cole, Stenlund and Kerfoot, who may have shone brightest when Utah was shorthanded.

For the most part, Utah's special-teams units will look similar to last season. The wild card is Peterka, who had 18 PP points with Buffalo. How he fits in is something to watch.

INTANGIBLES

Despite the excitement of a new name and fresh faces, Utah's biggest off-season asset may have been stability. Last year was a whirlwind - relocating from Arizona and relaunching as a new franchise in just five months. This summer, by contrast, offered a return to relative normalcy. For a team looking to take the next step, not having to manage the chaos of a complicated move could make all the difference.

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