ESPN revealed one burning question for all 32 NHL teams. Some face more glaring questions than others, yet Utah's isn't easy to answer.
Why? Well, it's a question that about a dozen other teams haven't been able to answer recently.
Can Utah disrupt the power structure in the Western Conference?
Over the last few seasons, a few teams have dominated the Western Conference more than others. This includes the Edmonton Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Colorado Avalanche. These three teams are the only teams to reach the Stanley Cup in the Western Conference over the last five seasons, with both Edmonton and Vegas reaching it twice (combined over the last four seasons).
According to ESPN: "Every Western Conference finals series since 2020 (aside from the COVID-impacted 2021 playoffs) has featured the same four teams in some combination: The Avalanche, Golden Knights, Oilers and Stars. It was that way again last season, with the Avs and Golden Knights."
Other teams haven't been able to affect the balance of power. It seems like every season one of those great teams steamrolls other younger teams. It was a big surprise to see the Oilers fall to the Anaheim Ducks in 2026. Even then, though, the Ducks weren't able to upset another opponent, as they fell to the VGK.
Last season, Utah seemed poised to defeat the VGK, leading the series 2-1. However, the Golden Knights responded well and eventually won the series 4-2. Vegas benefited from its experience edge (Utah gave up two late 3rd-period leads, losing both games). The question remains, though: "Can Utah disrupt the power structure?"
That won't be easy at all to answer, as the Avs, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild are all teams that look absolutely stacked with talent. Several things would have to fall into place for Utah - including fewer injuries, some breakouts, and good performances from veterans like Vincent Trocheck.
Even with these challenges, Utah is in a better situation than some might think. They already have a lot of talent and depth; that is especially true when they retained guys like Kailer Yamamoto and Barrett Hayton and added Anders Lee and Trocheck over the offseason.
Furthermore, Utah has no shortage of highly touted prospects like Tij Iginla, Sebastian Cossa, and more. All of whom can have a significant impact in 2026-27. It feels like Utah has so much young talent that they don't even know what to do with it (hey, at least that's a nice problem).
This offseason has been great. GM Bill Armstrong knew what he was doing, adding only a couple of veterans and keeping the players he wanted. Only time will tell whether this presumably great offseason translates to success, but Armstrong sure seems like a genius based on what he's done so far.
This burning question is one that other teams will really face. But it would be true to say that of the teams in the Western Conference, the Mammoth may have the best chance of disturbing the balance of power.
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