The Utah Mammoth made the postseason in just their second season of existence. It was a sigh of relief for a franchise in just its second year, especially after its predecessor, the Arizona Coyotes, missed the playoffs for its final four years in existence. However, that doesn't mean the 43-33-6 Mammoth were without issues; their goalie situation in 2025-26 was less than ideal, leading to rumors of a potential trade.
The Mammoth Had One Major Issue During The 2025-26 Season
The starter, Karel Vejmelka, wasn't the worst goalie in the NHL. In fact, his 38-20-3 record was the second best in the league. However, his stats weren't great: 2.75 GAA, .897 SV%, 2 SO, 4.5 WAR. Ultimately, his goals allowed per game and save percentage were 27th and 28th in the league, respectively. His 4.5 WAR does show he was much more valuable than the average goalie, as he provided 4.5 more wins than the average NHL goalie would have. The only problem, though, is that Vejmelka isn't completely trustworthy.
The goalie depth is probably the worst thing, though. Former Washington Capital and New Jersey Devil star goalie, Vitek Vanecek, had some pretty bad stats: 5-13-3, 2.94 GAA, .883 SV%, 1 SO, 0.0 WAR. Vanecek had a poor save percentage and a poor record, and his value was equal to that of the average goalie, which isn't great, especially for a backup. Another goalie that Utah had during the season was Jaxson Stauber, who has just 12 career games under his belt and is 27. There is most certainly some concern about the depth of the goalie position for Utah.
What Can Utah Get From Sebastian Cossa?
According to Kevin Weekes, Utah has expressed major interest in a Detroit Red Wing rookie goalie. The 23-year-old rookie Sebastian Cossa. Cossa is a big question mark, especially since he has just one career game, in which he recorded 12 saves on 14 SOG and won. However, the former 15th overall pick has incredible size, standing 6'6. Cossa's AHL stats weren't too bad either in the 2025-26 season: 21-15, 2.45 GAA, .911 SV%, 1 SO. Utah would have to put a lot of trust in a rookie goalie, but that might not be the worst idea.
Utah does actually have a prospect similar to Cossa, a 6'6 goalie named Michael Hrabal, who was selected 38th overall in the 2nd round of the 2023 NHL draft. Hrabal is only 21 and may even see some playing time for Utah in the near future. However, if Utah likes Cossa more than Hrabal, then it would make sense to see the Mammoth trade for the former first-rounder. Cossa just seems like he could start sooner than Hrabal.
The Mammoth goalie situation isn't technically in emergency territory. However, the front office of the Mammoth seems interested in trading for a goalie to bolster the depth at the position. It would definitely make sense for a team in need of a solid backup or maybe even a starter.
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