Will the Utah Mammoth actually try to pull off a blockbuster trade before the season? Perhaps.
Utah may be trying to bring a big fish to Salt Lake—specifically, Connor Hellebuyck.
Utah is pushing for Connor Hellebuyck
A few days ago, according to Jeff Marek of the Daily Faceoff, Utah is among the teams trying to trade for a star goalie, Hellebuyck:
"David Pagnotta: Re Connor Hellebuyck trade candidates: Utah... Jeff Marek: Absolutely for Utah, as they continue to go big game hunting - The Sheet (8/31)"
These statements offer a couple of takeaways. First, Utah is going "big game hunting". Certain stars are still on the market, including Dylan Larkin, Kirill Marchenko, and, of course, Hellebuyck. This indicates Utah is still vying for one of those guys. Or perhaps someone else.
But the biggest takeaway is that Utah is trying to get Hellebuyck. A trade for Hellebuyck would be interesting, but it would probably include a goalie such as Karel Vejmelka or Sebastian Cossa in return. Even with Hellebuyck struggling, he proved his ability to still be great.
Great defenders AND Hellebuyck carried Team USA. Hellebuyck was very good in the Gold Medal Game as the US won 2-1. With Utah looking to compete, it would make sense to get a goalie who can carry a team like Hellebuyck can.
Utah doesn't need another goalie with Cossa and Vejmelka, but they would be risky to roll out. Cossa doesn't have experience, and Vejmelka, despite being 38-20-3, didn't have great stats.
For now, it's just speculation. But Utah could shake the NHL world by pulling off this trade. The good news is that Hellebuyck essentially must be out of Winnipeg by the beginning of the season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google