The Utah Mammoth are looking to make history in their second season by making the playoffs and breaking a drought that began in 2020, when the Coyotes last made the playoffs. That was a pandemic year in which the playoffs were conducted differently. Before that, the Coyotes had not made the playoffs since 2012. Only Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, Lawson Crouse, and Nick Schmaltz are the remaining players from that season.
The organization committed to getting back to the playoffs this offseason by acquiring and signing JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres. What appears to be a top-line winger for years to come, the Mammoth gave up depth for the big move.
The financial support from ownership has solidified the playoff aspirations, but the depth at forward production will be tested. Training camp will provide some position battles, and the biggest X-factor could be the prospect, Daniil But. Signed from Russia after being drafted 12th overall by the Coyotes in the 2023 NHL Draft.
But and fellow Utah prospect, Dmitri Simashev, played for Lokomotiv in the KHL and signed together to come over to the United States. But may have more fine tuning to be done and adjusting to the North American game than Simashev, but could make the roster with a good training camp.
The scoring depth will be tested this season, making But a good option to fill the bottom 6 forwards. The young Russian's size at 6'7 is incredibly useful, but he is a skilled player more than a grinding forward.
The fear with But playing little minutes in defensive situations is that he will not be able to develop his goal-scoring skill at the NHL level. He uses his size on offense to draw multiple defenders and open up space for his linemates. The wingspan would be beneficial in the defensive zone.
The more likely option is that But begins the season in the AHL and adjusts to North America and is ready for the first call-up of the season. It is easy to think about winning when you are close to the playoffs, but this is a young piece that cannot be rushed.