The Stanley Cup Finals resume tonight with game 2 in Edmonton. Once the series is over, it will be a mad rush to the offseason fun around the NHL. That being said, let's ease into the offseason and talk about some potential needs for the Utah Mammoth roster. Many things could change before the free agent doors open on July 1st, as the draft will provide an opportunity for all the general managers to make some trades. Goaltending is a position that could be improved this summer.
Currently, the Mammoth has Karel Vejmelka and Connor Ingram signed and slated to remain the options for the NHL squad. Ingram is in the final year of his contract at just $1,950,000, whereas Vejmelka has a long-term contract that will pay him $4,750,000 per year until 2030.
Vejmelka will be the starter entering camp after a strong 2024-25 campaign with a 2.58 GAA and a .904 save percentage. After struggling the year before, Vejmelka has re-emerged as the goalie of the present and the future. Still, it is hard to forget the performances of the year prior, some safety precautions may be warranted.
Having two established goaltenders on the roster will make Utah a less desirable location for an established starter. The Mammoth will be an attraction for a player looking to compete for a roster spot with the potential for grabbing more playing time with success.
Bill Armstrong and company will need to keep the salary low to save room for other positions of need. The free agent market is slim at the goalie position, but a good fit could be Alex Lyon. Lyon played last season in Detroit and won 14 games for the Red Wings. He played in 30 games last season and the year prior; Lyon saw action in 44 games for Detroit. Before that, he had a brief stint in Florida with the Panthers, playing 15 games.
At 32 years old, Lyon has started 100 games in the NHL and has experience in the playoffs with the Panthers. Posting a 2.81 GAA last season, the Minnesota native has shown flashes of brilliance. Consistency and health have been his biggest concerns, but with age, he is improving on the consistency part. At 6'1, he has strong size but is extremely agile and quick from post to post.
In terms of salary, Lyon made just $900,000 last season and will command a similar deal. In Detroit, he was part of a crowded crease with the likes of Cam Talbot and Petr Mrazek. Both goalies were more established than what Utah currently possesses, which will be a plus in recruiting Lyon.
This is not the "sexy" move in the summer, but could pay off for this season and beyond if Lyon can find his game. Another side to consider is if Lyon plays well and pushes Vejmelka to improve, Armstrong could use Lyon as a trade chip.