Almost two weeks into NHL free agency, and all is quiet around the league besides the San Jose Sharks, signing Jeff Skinner and trading for tough guy Ryan Reaves. The Utah Mammoth did a lot of work before the draft and on day one of free agency, but it never hurts to take a look at what is available to strengthen the depth of the team.
Following the strengthening of all roster positions by general manager Bill Armstrong, who addressed scoring weaknesses with the acquisition of JJ Peterka and solidified the top-six defense group with the signing of Nate Schmidt, additional moves are not imminent. The remaining free agent talent is thin, but forward depth is there to be had for Utah.
At this stage of the summer, the free agents shouldn't command a large salary nor term if they want to play in the NHL this upcoming season. The Mammoth have $6,657,143 available in salary cap space and could afford a depth piece before training camp. Skinner recently signed a one-year, $3 million deal in San Jose.
Victor Olofsson
The 29-year-old is by far the most talented free agent still available. Olofsson also knows newly acquired Peterka from their days in Buffalo. Olofsson played the first six years of his NHL career in Buffalo and played last season in Las Vegas.
All NHL general managers are aware of Olofsson's situation, as his injury history has made front offices cautious, given that he played in just 56 games last season. The season before, in Buffalo, Olofsson played in even fewer games, with 51.
In 2022-23, the 5'11 winger played a career high in games played with 75. To no one's surprise, he posted career highs in goals with 28. A three-time 20-plus goal scorer, Olofsson knows how to find the back of the net.
Not blessed with the best speed, Olofsson makes up for it with a phenomenal shot and a great shooting percentage. Last season, he scored 15 goals in 56 games and provided top-six scoring depth for a Stanley Cup contender.
Olofsson would be a great safety net if Armstrong were to dangle soon-to-be free agent Nick Schmaltz in trade discussions.
Max Pacioretty
The 17-year NHL veteran brings a different type of value to Utah than Olofsson. Pacioretty is a player that is unbelievable in the locker room and can still put the puck in the net. A captain in Montreal, the Connecticut native has 335 career goals and plays a style that is suitable for any roll.
He is not a player that you want on the top line often, but he can still create offense in the case of injury. The hockey sense and passion put Pacioretty in good spots to generate offense from a depth player. When push comes to shove, Pacioretty will always shoot the puck, and some younger players can benefit from his style.
Pacioretty is a player who is suited for a part-time role, playing around 50 games a season. However, in the playoffs, he has proven that he can provide clutch scoring as he did in Toronto last season.
Last year, Pacioretty signed a one-year deal worth just $873,770. The 36-year-old can expect a similar contract, which would fit perfectly in Utah and not stop a younger player's spot, if earned.