The 2025-26 season is over, with the Carolina Hurricanes coming back in the Stanley Cup Finals to win the Cup 4-2 over the Vegas Golden Knights. As the offseason begins, a lot of teams will look to trading instead of free agency, mainly because teams aren't seeing what they want in free agency. This also includes the Utah Mammoth, who just don't look like they need any up and coming unrestricted free agents.
FA class descibed as incredibly poor
Already a major trade involving the Philadelphia Flyers and Toronto Maple Leafs has occurred. KSL sports Cole Bagley, who is the Utah Mammoth insider, commented on the post from Philly announcing the trade: "Players on the move. I'd expect a lot more trades this summer as the FA class is incredibly poor." This makes a lot of sense and is completely true, as the top free agents for this offseason just aren't very appealing for a lot teams. Especially when talking about the goalie position.
The best goalie available is probably Alex Lyon, who is 33, not very reliable considering his career (usually a back up) and ultimately untrustworthy. There is also the 37-year-old Sergei Bobrovsky, who had an absolutely atrocious season for the Florida Panthers with a .877 SV% while also allowing 3.07 goals per game- so you mind as well put a concrete block in front of the net with such numbers if you wanted Bobrovsky, the block might have a higher SV% and be less risky. The best available offensively player is star Alex Tuch, who scored 33 goals and added 33 assists, but after Tuch, the list of good free agents falls off of a cliff.
Utah need to make a good trade this offseason
With that being said, to strengthen their young team, the Mammoth should look to a trade. Really the only interesting free agent is Tuch, but other than him, the list just dies. The Mammoth should have no interest on taking a chance on older players who might just be washed. Like the last couple of seasons, the Mammoth should definitely consider trading for a good player to improve their team.
The Mammoth are already reportedly interested in a Detroit Red Wing goalie, and they aren't out the mix for Dylan Larkin either. This shows that the Mammoth aren't looking to sit idly by as the offseason is about to go into full-swing. Just like the last couple of seasons, a trade is going to be the best way they can instantly go from being a good team to a true contender.
The strength of the free agent list isn't there, and it isn't surprising to already see some trade taking place. Just like other teams, Utah definitley should look to trades instead of signing an expensive and risky player. The offseason is on, and it's time for the Mammoth to make some noise.
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