Jan 20, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; The Winnipeg Jets and Utah Hockey Club face-off during the third period at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Utahns have experienced their first full NHL season not just as bystanders impartial to whoever wins, but as fans of the Utah Mammoth.

Now, instead of focusing solely on Utah Jazz basketball, fans have two well-known franchises to follow for years to come.

However, before the Utah Mammoth existed, the Utah Grizzlies—a professional minor league apart of the ECHL and current affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche—was the go-to option for watching competitive hockey at the Maverik Center for the last thirty years.

But with a recent statement from the Grizzlies, it looks like there's a strong chance the Mammoth could soon become the only professional hockey team in Utah.

In its official press release, the Utah Grizzlies explained:

"The decision to explore a sale follows a period of transition for the team’s longtime owners. After the passing of Dave Elmore in 2023, and amid the declining health of his wife and co-owner Donna Tuttle, the family’s ability to remain actively involved in team operations has understandably diminished. Their devotion to community-centered sports and the stewardship of the Grizzlies has left a lasting impact on Utah’s hockey landscape."

While relocation isn't guaranteed, the fact that the Utah Grizzlies see it as a realistic possibility shows the team is open to moving if the right bidder comes from out of state.

Before the team can be sold, the move would need approval from both the ECHL and other stakeholders.

Just as it seemed like Utah would have more hockey than ever, with both an NHL and an ECHL team, there’s now a chance the Delta Center could become the only venue offering professional hockey in the state.

One of the most likely ways the Grizzlies could remain in Utah is if Smith Entertainment Group decides to purchase the team.

Last season, the Utah Mammoth had an affiliate agreement with the Allen Americans of the ECHL, but there are currently no affiliations set for the upcoming season.

And with the Americans based in Texas, it would certainly be more convenient to acquire the Grizzlies and keep an affiliate team close by.

The Grizzlies remain affiliated with the Avalanche through the 2025–26 season and will stay in Utah during that time—even if a relocation is ultimately approved. Because of Colorado’s long-standing relationship with the Grizzlies dating back to 2018, the Avalanche may still prefer to keep them as their affiliate even if the team moves.

Utah Mammoth Mourns Loss of Utah Grizzlies' Kevin Bruder Before Utah Mammoth existed in Utah, the only source of hockey was with the Utah Grizzlies, the in-state ECHL team and current affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.  

However, even if Colorado is willing to move on, SEG would still need to decide whether it wants to take on the responsibility of owning a third professional team—especially while it continues adjusting to life as the owner of the Utah Mammoth.

While the Mammoth currently have no confirmed ECHL affiliate for next season, they are still connected to their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, owned by former Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo, for at least one more year.

For now, Utah will have two professional hockey teams in the state, even if it’s only for one more season.

Utah Mammoth Reportedly Interested In Intriguing Star Forward NHL insider Elliotte Friedman took his <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/32-thoughts-connor-mcdavid-contract-nhls-top-summer-storyline/" target="_blank">32 Thoughts written blog</a> to share who he believes is interested in Brad Marchand. Along with the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs, he suggested that the Utah Mammoth are also one of the teams to watch.

Will Utah Mammoth Be The Last Remaining Professional Hockey Team in Utah?