For now, the NHL offseason isn't as crazy as it was on Friday night, but that doesn't mean more moves aren't to come from teams like the Utah Mammoth. Amidst a slew of moves, the Mammoth overall had a great weekend, a weekend that saw them secure a couple of first-round picks, clear up 7.7 million dollars, and get a great goalie as well. However, among the most interesting moves was selecting a talented forward who played for the Michigan Wolverines this past season late in the third round.
Adam Valentini may be one really good steal
Adam Valentini, 18, was projected in some mock drafts as high as the 31st overall selection. Mostly, though, most thought the Canadian forward would land somewhere between the 30th and 50th selections, or in the second round. Even with that, Valentini wouldn't be selected until very late in the 3rd round, when he was selected by the Mammoth as the 96th overall selection. Such a drop wasn't because of skill by any means though.
Valentini is only 5'10'' and weighs 185 lbs, which many teams likely thought was pretty concerning. Surprisingly, though, his size caused him to fall by as much as 60 spots in the draft. As a freshman for the Wolverines, Valentini had to overcome major obstacles but still managed to reach the first line at times. Valentini, in 40 games, totaled 27 points (11 goals, 15 assists). Such numbers aren't insane, but they are still pretty good, especially considering Valentini usually wasn't on the first line.
The Mammoth youth movement continues
The Mammoth have an insane amount of young talent now, both in the minor leagues and in the NHL. With that being said, one has to wonder if the Mammoth are planning to make a massive trade, a trade that could potentially make them among the best teams in the NHL. The Mammoth have a ton of first-round picks now on their roster and are only getting more good talent, especially when they steal a player like Valentini.
With the offseason now underway, many teams will be looking to make big trades, and with so many assets at the disposal of Utah, a trade may be waiting to happen.
Add us as a preferred source on Google