As the postseason looms, the Utah Mammoth have emerged as a surprise contender, currently holding onto a playoff spot in the Central Division. With the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks on their heels, the Mammoth's strategic moves have caught the attention of their fans. While there was talk of a blockbuster trade at the deadline, the Mammoth opted for a more measured approach, making one significant acquisition.
That key move was bringing in defender MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames. In exchange, they sent Olli Maatta, Jonathan Castagna, and three second-round picks in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft to Calgary. This trade bolsters their defensive lineup without sacrificing a first-round pick, which is a savvy move for a team eyeing a deep playoff run.
Trade Grade: A-
Weegar, at 32, has contributed three goals and 19 assists for 22 points over 62 games this season. With a career total of 273 points in 612 games, he’s not primarily known for his offense but shines in the defensive zone, effectively shutting down opponents.
Despite having some cap space, the Mammoth chose not to make additional moves. They appear to be setting their sights on the offseason for any major additions, relying on their current roster to carry them through the playoffs. Weegar’s presence strengthens the left side of their defense, and with five more seasons on his contract, this trade looks promising for the long term.
Mammoth Stay Quiet on Deadline Day
The Weegar acquisition came two days before the trade deadline, and the Mammoth remained inactive afterward. There were whispers about a potential deal involving St. Louis Blues’ forward Robert Thomas, but nothing materialized, as the Blues seemed reluctant to part with him.
While the Mammoth boast a strong top-six forward group, there’s room for improvement in the bottom six. Adding another forward could have enhanced their chances for a deep playoff run, but the team chose to stand pat.
Deadline Grade: B
The Mammoth made a calculated decision to focus on future flexibility, leaving room for potential moves during the draft or summer. While landing a player like Thomas or Jordan Kyrou would have been ideal, securing Weegar and retaining their first-round pick was a smart play.
Their approach reflects a belief in their current roster, avoiding unnecessary trades. As the postseason approaches, the Mammoth are positioned well and could surprise many with their performance.