Utah Mammoth Could Make a Big Splash In This Summer's UFA Pool

The Utah Mammoth have been rebuilding their roster since their final years in Arizona, when Bill Armstrong took over as general manager in 2020. Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Josh Doan, JJ Moser and Conor Geekie were among the promising youngsters to emerge from his stockpile of prospects.

Last summer, Armstrong demonstrated his willingness to make a big move in the trade market to improve his roster. On June 29, 2024, he packaged Moser and Geekie and two draft picks to the Tampa Bay Lightning for defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.

Armstrong has avoided any major signings in the free-agent market, but that could change this summer. With a projected salary-cap space of $21.2 million and 20 active roster players (including his core players) under contract, he has the room to make a big splash in the unrestricted free-agent pool.

Quentin Carney of The Hockey News pondered whether the Mammoth would pursue Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitch Marner if he becomes available on July 1. His colleague, Spencer Lazary, suggested Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser could be a viable UFA target.

The Mammoth had their best season (89 points) since reaching the same number of points in 2013-14 , However, they missed the playoffs by eight points . Adding a star player like Marner or Boeser via free agency (or a trade) could be the final piece that turns them into a playoff contender.