The offseason for the Utah Mammoth is likely over. Especially since Utah had one of the best off-seasons in the NHL. However, that hasn't killed trade speculation. One domino still hasn't fallen, and there are reasons for Utah to target this superstar, and of course, not. At the very least, though, Utah could become a whole other beast if they could add the Columbus Blue Jacket superstar, Kirill Marchenko.
Why Utah could use Marchenko, and why they don't need him
Marchenko would definitely improve Utah's offense, but even then, it doesn't exactly need much help. By adding Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee, the team improved offensively, adding those two to a group that includes Nick Schmaltz, Logan Cooley, Clayton Keller, and Lawson Crouse. Add Tij Iginla, a potential superstar, and the need for Marchenko really isn't there. Marchenko can definitely be an offensive force, and he would add meaningful depth, making Utah an extremely balanced and deep team. Marchenko scored 27 goals and added 40 assists in the 2025-26 season, showing that he can be a really good offensive player.
It is also notable that Marchenko would get much better offensive help in Utah with a player like Keller or Trocheck, who can make the players around them better. However, Utah has been intent on keeping its young prospects and players within the organization. Utah showed this by barely giving up anything for Trocheck, a superstar center who is good at literally everything. If the Blue Jackets were to give up their best offensive player at the moment, who, by the way, is only 25, they may seek a good return. Asking for Iginla or Caleb Desnoyers would be insane, Columbus, but they may ask for someone else who carries a lot of intrigue for Utah.
Utah could still be interested in Marchenko anyway, but giving up too much isn't worth it. Really, if Utah wants to trade for Marchenko, they need to ensure that the return isn't too good. Utah isn't in dire need of a superstar with its current balanced and talented lineup, so even trading away someone like Dmitri Simashev seems unreasonable. Of all teams looking to trade for Marchenko, the Mammoth aren't really favored to end up trading for him. However, the last domino of the offseason feels like it is Marchenko. If the Mammoth wants, then they can target him and try to become a juggernaut of a team, but they have to be aware of the cost.
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