In the 2025-26 season, the Utah Mammoth had certain players that really stood out and helped the team win big games. The season ended in an unfortunate way, but the Mammoth made the postseason for the first time in their short franchise history.
One of the best and most underrated players they had was John Marino, who put up some very impressive numbers with Utah in the 2025-26 season.
Can John Marino help the Mammoth turn their defense elite?
Utah had a pretty good defense last season, but they have still made it a priority to turn it elite. Marino was one big move that Utah made, as they signed him to an eight year, $54M extension. The reason why was quite simple: Marino had some very impressive stats.
Marino had 42 +/-, which was tied-5th for the best in the NHL. He also scored four goals and added 32 assists, at times becoming an offensive threat as well. But Marino's value was obviously on the defensive side of things. The fact that 42 more goals were scored than allowed when Marino has on the ice was mighty impressive.
The only other player who had a +/- that was elite on Utah was the veteran defenseman Nate Schmidt, who himeself had a nice 31 +/-. Marino was just that good for Utah in 2025-26. Utah did lose some players like Ian Cole on the defense, but they do have several youngsters who are here to stay in the NHL.
They also added Andrew Peeke, a great defenseman, and added an assistant coach Adam Foote, who was great in other places at helping the defense. If Utah wants to compete and be elite in the Central Division, then they will need a great defense.
Luckily, Marino is one cornerstone that Utah can use to build a great team. Hopefully, he can follow up his elite stats with more in 2026-27.
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