Here’s a full 2025–26 season outlook for the newly renamed Utah Mammoth (formerly the Utah Hockey Club). We’ll walk through a recap of last season, offseason moves, roster/depth charts, outlook for the upcoming campaign, a season prediction, and final thoughts.
Recap of 2024–25 (Inaugural Season as Utah Hockey Club)
Under the temporary moniker “Utah Hockey Club”, the team took the ice at the Delta Center for their inaugural season in the NHL’s Central Division of the Western Conference.
Here are the highlights:
- They finished with a record of 38–31–13, collecting 89 points.
- They scored 241 goals and allowed 251.
- The team didn’t qualify for the playoffs, but for an inaugural campaign in a new market, the results were promising.
- Off-ice, the reception from Salt Lake City and Utah at large was outstanding. The team sold out every home game (in its available full‐view seating) and the fan base embraced the club quickly.
- From a branding side, the “Hockey Club” placeholder identity served its purpose while the franchise engaged fans in the process of choosing a permanent name.
In short: a strong foundation year, building momentum on and off the ice.
Offseason Moves & Key Changes
While the core from 2024–25 remains, the Mammoth front office has signalled that the next step is adding targeted upgrades and getting more out of existing talent.
Additions:
- The naming and branding don’t necessarily reflect player moves, but continuing organizational investment in coaching, analytics and infrastructure is implied.
- While specific blockbuster trades may still be in motion, just the identity shift and deeper focus on growth signals that the Mammoth intend to compete more aggressively.
Departures:
- Any under-performing players from year one will need to raise their level or risk reduced roles; the shift to “Mammoth mode” means less tolerance for developmental drag in the lineup.
Re-signings / Internal development:
- The retention of coaching staff and key young players from year one is critical; continuity helps.
- Development of younger talents—both those who hit the ice in 2024–25 and those rising through the system—becomes a priority.
Projected Roster Chart (2025-26)
Here’s how the Mammoth’s roster might shape up. Note: exact transactions may vary; this is a projection based on known status and logical next steps.
Forwards
LW Clayton Keller The offensive engine, expected to lead the club in scoring again.
C Logan Cooley -Young center with upside; enters breakout territory.
RW Nick Schmaltz -Veteran top-six winger, good two-way contributor.
LW Alex Killorn -Brings leadership and secondary scoring.
C Barrett Hayton -Two-way center, likely second-line pivot.
RW Dylan Guenther -Young sniper with upside in the top nine.
LW Matias Maccelli -Creative winger, good depth option.
C Connor Geekie -Emerging rookie center—could be third line now, bigger role soon.
RW Jason Zucker -Experienced depth forward, energy and situational value.
LW Liam O’Brien -Physical winger, bottom-six energy line.
C Jack McBain -Bottom-six center, forechecking/penalty kill role.
RW Michael Carcone -Young depth winger pushing for full time.
Defense
1st Pair Mikhail Sergachev & Sean Durzi Top pairing: Sergachev adds elite talent; Durzi steady.
2nd PairJ.J. Moser & Juuso Välimäki Two-way pairing bridging the gap.
3rd Pair Michael Kesselring & Victor Söderström Young defenders; developmental, but full NHL roles.
Goaltending
- Starter: Connor Ingram
- Backup: Kaapo Kahkonen
The goaltending tandem provides a good mix of established starter and reliable backup.
Depth Chart & Line Combinations
Here’s a projected depth chart / line combination structure for 2025-26:
Offense
1st Line Keller – Cooley – Schmaltz
2nd Line Killorn – Hayton – Guenther
3rd Line Maccelli – Geekie – Zucker
4th Line O’Brien – McBain – Carcone
Defensive pairings
- Sergachev/Durzi
- Moser/Välimäki
- Kesselring/Söderström
Goalies
- Ingram (starter)
- Kahkonen (backup)
Special Teams Notes
- Power play will lean on Keller, Cooley, Guenther, Schmaltz and Sergachev.
- Penalty kill will emphasise Hayton, Durzi, and the younger defense pairing’s mobility.
2025-26 Team Outlook
Strengths
- Rising Core: With Keller, Cooley, Guenther and Geekie, the Mammoth have a youthful offensive core with high upside.
- Defensive Upgrade: The addition (or expectation) of Sergachev gives them a true number-one at the back, bolstering the blue line.
- Strong Market & Support: The rebrand energises the fanbase; Utah is rapidly becoming a serious hockey market. Off-ice momentum matters.
- Motivation & Growth Mindset: After inaugural season success off the ice and solid results on it, the club has real momentum.
Weaknesses / Risks
- Depth & Consistency: Beyond the top two lines, depth scoring remains a question. Injuries or slumps could hurt.
- Defensive Chemistry: Integrating new pairings, younger defenders in full roles—mistakes and learning curves are inevitable.
- Playoff Pressure: Having never been to the playoffs in this incarnation, the team lacks deep postseason experience.
- Central Division Competition: The Central Division remains loaded. The Mammoth must improve significantly to leap into playoff spots.
What to Watch
- Will Cooley make the jump from promising to dominant?
- Can the top defensive pairing (Sergachev/Durzi) anchor the team in tight games?
- How will the third line and bottom defence perform under pressure?
- Will the special teams improve meaningfully?
- Can Utah maintain or build on the franchise’s off-ice momentum and home-ice advantage?
Season Prediction
Here’s my forecast for the Utah Mammoth’s 2025-26 campaign:
- Record: 43–31–8 (~94 points)
- Division Finish: 4th in the Central Division
- Playoffs: Qualify as a wild-card
Why this outcome?
Given their foundation and youth/investment stage, I believe the Mammoth will take a significant step forward in year two. They won’t yet be Cup favourites by any means, but they’ll be competitive, compete for a playoff spot and show they are for real.
If the breakout occurs (Cooley, Guenther, young D pairs) they could even edge into the division’s top three.
Bold Prediction: Keller hits 85+ points; Cooley eclipses 70; the power play becomes a top-10 unit; the Mammoth surprise some of the established teams in the West by staying in competition for a playoff spot.
Players To Watch
Change is in the air for the Utah Mammoth as we step into 2025. The team has been busy shaking up their roster, and it’s buzzing with some exciting shifts. From promising rookies to tried-and-true veterans, there’s a lot to get amped about. These changes bring fresh dynamics that could set the stage for a thrilling season.
Let’s spotlight some of those key players making a comeback. We’re looking at athletes who’ve shown grit and talent in past seasons, and they’re ready to bring it again. Clayton Keller is the leader of this tean Expect to see him leading the charge and inspiring the new blood on the roster.
Talking about fresh energy, new recruits are making waves too. Each has their unique flair and skills, bringing something new to the table. Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley are the rising stars on this team. Think of them as the secret ingredients to what might just be a winning recipe. They’re not just filling spots—they’re game-changers who could shake the league.
The Road to Success: Challenges and Opportunities in 2025
The Utah Mammoth face a season teeming with challenges and ripe with opportunities. Each opponent represents a unique hurdle, testing the team’s adaptability and grit. Identifying key rivals helps in strategizing effectively, and this season is stacked with matchups that promise intense rivalries.
This year, the league’s landscape is evolving with teams bolstering their own rosters and strategies. It’s a game of staying ahead, and the Mammoth is poised to navigate these waters by leveraging their depth and versatility. Being quick on their feet in response to emerging challenges is critical.
Home games are more than just matches; they’re about creating an electrifying atmosphere that boosts player morale and binds the community together. The camaraderie shared at these events often translates to better performance on the field. They’re counting on fans to pack the stadium and bring that unbeatable energy.
Final Thoughts
The Utah Mammoth enter their second NHL season at an inflection point. Year one was about establishing identity, proving the market and laying the groundwork. Year two is about turning promise into performance.
If the franchise fulfills its potential, Utah could become one of the league’s most exciting young clubs over the next 2-4 years. The combination of a passionate fan base, strong ownership, a young core and growing depth gives them real hope.
For fans and followers: expect a fun ride in 2025-26. There will be ups and downs as growth continues, but the trajectory is upward. The Mammoth aren’t just a novelty in Utah—they’re building a sustainable playoff contender.
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