Utah Mammoth signed three players on the first day of free agency. The newcomers are Brandon Tanev, goaltender Vitek Vaněček, and defenseman Nate Schmidt.
Tanev signed a three-year, $ 7.5 million contract worth $ 2.5 million per season. Vaněček, who just won a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, signed a one-year contract. Schmidt also won a Stanley Cup with the Panthers and signed a three-year contract.
Mammoth general Bill Armstrong did not waste time and was actively aggressive during free agency. The Mammoth would have loved to land someone like Mitch Marner, but things didn't work out behind the scenes. However, these three signings are solid.
Does this put the Utah Mammoth over the edge in terms of making the playoffs next season?
On paper, it looks good enough for them to make the playoffs next season, and Armstrong is not done making moves and signings.
Schmidt is a very effective defenseman. It's a culture booster for the Mammoth, who were missing some physical presence in their roster. Schmidt is a veteran who will be a valuable asset to the team. He can mentor the young players on the team and serve as a vocal leader. The Mammoth will be Schmidt's sixth team. Schmidt has made stops with the Washington Capitals, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Panthers.
Schmidt posted three goals and 12 points in 23 games during his time with the Panthers last season. He's an underrated player, and everywhere he went, winning following him. The Mannoth have a valuable piece in front of them.
The 29-year-old Vaněček has started in 176 in 188 career games played
He has a record of 96 wins and 56 losses. Vanecek is not an elite goaltender, but he's a decent backup who works well for him and any team looking for an experienced backup goalie.
He understands what it takes to win and compete in the postseason. Aside from the Panthers, he has playoff experience, having served as the goalie for the New Jersey Devils. There will be some games in which he could be the starter if Connor Ingram gets injured or struggles to perform.
He was drafted in the second round, 39th overall, by the Capitals in the 2014 NHL Draft. In the 2024-25 season, he played for both the San Jose Sharks and Panthers and posted a 5-14-4 record, 3.62 goals against average, and a .884 save percentage in 25 games.
Tanev is a major addition to the Mammoth. He brings a lot of energy to the ice. He's another veteran signing. Tanev is 33 years old and recorded 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 79 games during his time with the Seattle Kraken and Winnipeg Jets.
The Utah Mammoth is making moves but doing so very quietly. Let's hope Armstrong can maintain the momentum through the free agency process.
More from Utah on Ice