Utah Mammoth's first NHL playoff appearance: A roster built for the long haul

The Utah Mammoth are etching their name into NHL history with their inaugural playoff run in the 2025-26 season. Relocated from Arizona and officially named the Utah Mammoth in May 2025, the franchise sold all hockey assets to Utah and skipped the typical expansion draft penalties.[1] Facing the experienced Vegas Golden Knights in the first round, they’ve split the series 2-2 after five games, with Vegas holding a 3-2 lead heading into Game 6 on May 1.[2] Captain Clayton Keller and the core from Arizona are experiencing playoffs for the first time in six years, while young stars shine brightly.

This debut postseason has showcased a revamped roster under GM Bill Armstrong, blending savvy drafts, retained veterans, and strategic acquisitions. Even on the brink of elimination, the Mammoth have competed fiercely, winning their first home playoff game 4-2 in Game 3.[3] For details on their clinching of the wild-card spot, check out Utah Mammoth clinch 2026 NHL playoffs berth.

Cashing in at the draft

Drafting lottery picks and developing them is the cornerstone of any rebuild, and the Mammoth nailed it with back-to-back high selections. In 2021, they took Dylan Guenther ninth overall, a sniper who blossomed into a 40-goal scorer this season—his first such campaign.[4] Guenther’s emergence has given Utah a dynamic winger capable of carrying lines.

The following year, Logan Cooley fell to them at third overall in 2022, forming an exciting young duo with Guenther. At 21, Cooley posted 43 points in just 54 games during the regular season, showing poise beyond his years. In the playoffs, he’s already made history as the youngest American-born player to score in his first two postseason games, surpassing even captain Keller’s mark.[5]

Neither has slowed in the series against Vegas. Guenther has five points through five games, while Cooley notched three, including the franchise’s first playoff goal. “It’s awesome. It’s nice to get to win. It’s tough to score in this League,” Cooley said after a key victory, emphasizing their net-front focus.[6]

These picks have instilled a winning culture. At 23 and 21, Guenther and Cooley project as top-line talents, complementing veterans perfectly. Their development trajectory suggests Utah’s attack will only improve.

Looking ahead, the pipeline remains strong with first-round prospects like Tij Iginla, Caleb Desnoyers, and Cole Beaudoin waiting in the wings. These additions will keep the roster young and talented.

• Key draft successes:
  • Dylan Guenther (2021, 9th): 40 goals, playoff contributor.
  • Logan Cooley (2022, 3rd): 43 points in 54 GP, historic playoff debuts.
  • Future stars: Iginla, Desnoyers, Beaudoin.

For ongoing series updates, see 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs first round schedule and results.

Maintaining the core

Only four players remain from the 2019-20 Arizona Coyotes roster that last made playoffs, but three—Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, and Lawson Crouse—have been pivotal. Management’s decision to retain this trio through rebuild turbulence has paid massive dividends.

Keller, in his 10th NHL season and second as Mammoth captain, led Utah with 88 points, maintaining All-Star production. His leadership steadies the young group, especially in high-stakes moments like this series.

Schmaltz enjoyed a career year with 33 goals and 74 points, providing secondary scoring and playmaking. Crouse added 44 points in the regular season and is tied for the playoff lead with five points, including two goals in Game 3.

These veterans offer playoff savvy absent in the youth core. “It’s what you dream of since you were a little kid,” Cooley echoed, crediting the group’s mindset.[7] They’ve fostered a culture of resilience, evident in comebacks against Vegas.

Their extensions ensure stability: Keller, Schmaltz, and others locked in through 2027-28 at least. This cap-friendly structure—only Cooley topping $10M soon—gives flexibility.

• Veteran core stats:

  Player	Regular season	Playoffs
  Clayton Keller	88 points	Key leader
  Nick Schmaltz	33G, 74P	Career high
  Lawson Crouse	44 points	5 points

Visit the official Utah Mammoth site for latest news.

Key off-season moves

Strategic signings and trades filled critical gaps. In 2021, Utah signed little-known goalie Karel Vejmelka as a fifth-round gem, who evolved into the league’s busiest starter with 64 games, a 2.75 GAA, and .897 save percentage.

The 2024 blockbuster trade with Tampa Bay for two-time Cup winner Mikhail Sergachev transformed the blue line. He posted 59 points, led in ice time, and brought playoff pedigree to an inexperienced defense.

These moves meshed seamlessly. Vejmelka’s workload anchors the net, while Sergachev thrives as the top defender. Both are contracted long-term, bolstering the core.

Off-ice, cap space abounds, enabling further tweaks. Prospects will integrate, keeping costs low.

• Pivotal acquisitions:
  1. Karel Vejmelka (2021 signing): Led goalies in GP.
  2. Mikhail Sergachev (2024 trade): 59P, playoff experience.

For more on Utah hockey, explore The Hockey News Utah page.

The Mammoth’s first playoff dance, though potentially short, marks a triumph. Competing with Vegas proves their rebuild’s success—a skilled, young roster poised for contention. Prospects and cap room signal brighter days ahead, exciting fans in Salt Lake City for years of thrilling hockey. Whether they extend the series or bow out, this is just the beginning.