Utah Mammoth Eyeing Top-Six Forward Ahead of Deadline - But at What Cost?
The Utah Mammoth are firmly in the buyer’s lane as the NHL trade deadline nears, and their sights are set on bolstering their top six. According to league sources, the Mammoth have been actively exploring the market for a high-impact forward - someone who can slide into their top two lines and give their offense a little more bite down the stretch.
Among the names Utah has reportedly kicked the tires on: Nazem Kadri, Elias Pettersson, and Robert Thomas. That’s not just window shopping - those are top-tier centers, each with their own unique skill set and contract situation.
Kadri brings playoff pedigree and a physical edge. Pettersson is a dynamic playmaker with elite vision.
Thomas, meanwhile, is one of the most well-rounded young pivots in the league. If the Mammoth are serious about landing one of these names, they’re going to have to pay a premium.
But here’s where things get interesting: Utah doesn’t seem eager to part with its top young assets unless the return is a game-changer. That includes blue-chip prospects like Tij Iginla and Danil But - both former first-rounders with serious upside.
It’s a smart stance. These are the kinds of players you build around long-term, not the ones you casually toss into a deadline deal unless the return can reshape your franchise.
Other names that have come up in trade talks include Cole Beaudoin, Maveric Lamoureux, and Utah’s 2026 first-round pick. That’s a lot of capital, and it shows just how aggressive the market could get as we inch closer to March. Meanwhile, fourth overall pick Caleb Desnoyers is having a strong campaign in the QMJHL, only adding to Utah’s embarrassment of riches when it comes to young talent.
Leafs Weighing Options with McMann and Laughton
Elsewhere, the Toronto Maple Leafs are doing their due diligence as they look ahead to the deadline. Two names generating buzz: Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton, both pending UFAs. The Leafs are reportedly gauging league-wide interest in both players, and there’s a sense that McMann, in particular, could bring back more value than expected.
Why? It comes down to cap flexibility.
McMann carries just a $1.3 million cap hit, and with Toronto still holding retention slots, they can shave that number down even further - potentially below this year’s league minimum. That kind of affordability makes him an attractive option for contenders looking to add depth without blowing up their books.
Laughton’s situation is similar. He’s already been retained down to $1.5 million in a previous deal with Philly, and that number could be halved again. He’s a versatile center, playing solid two-way hockey since returning to full health, and he fits the mold of the kind of player teams love to add for a playoff run - experienced, reliable, and not a liability in tight games.
As Chris Johnston and Julian McKenzie noted, a lot of the action at the deadline ends up revolving around depth - bottom-six forwards and third-pairing defensemen who can steady the ship in the postseason grind. That’s exactly where McMann and Laughton slot in, and Toronto seems to know it.
They’re not in a rush, though. With a few weeks to go before March 6, the Leafs are watching the market closely, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Nazem Kadri’s Name Heating Up Again
Back to Kadri - his name is surfacing more and more as teams look for experienced centers who can handle the playoff pressure. He’s the kind of player who can change a team’s identity overnight, and with multiple clubs circling, the bidding could get competitive. Utah’s interest in Kadri is real, but they’re far from the only team in the mix.
The next few weeks are shaping up to be a fascinating stretch across the league. Teams like Utah are looking to make the leap, while others like Toronto are trying to fine-tune the edges. Whether it’s a blockbuster deal or a savvy depth move, the deadline is coming - and the phones are already buzzing.