The Utah Mammoth may be one of NHL’s most under-the-radar playoff teams, but league sources indicate that could soon change as the 2026 NHL Trade Deadline draws near. With approximately $26 million in projected cap room following the end of the season and a Wild Card spot in hand, the Utah Mammoth is said to be looking to make a trade for a long-term building block—and assistance down the middle of the ice is the number one priority.
According to insider David Pagnotta, the Utah Mammoth front office is looking for a center who can score and play sound defense. Although the team has been relying on young star Logan Cooley, the organization is aware that a playoff run is often made easier with multiple options at center. This has led to speculation that the Utah Mammoth may be targeting a proven veteran like Vincent Trocheck.
Utah Mammoth’s centre depth concerns are pressing, even with a favorable position in the standings
Utah’s lineup changes have been effective in the short term, but there are lingering issues down the line. With Cooley out to begin with, versatile forward Nick Schmaltz moved to center and has had one of the best years of his career, chipping in at a pace above a point per game and among the team’s scoring leaders, alongside Clayton Keller. However, once Cooley is fully back in the lineup, Schmaltz is likely to move back to the wing, which again brings up the depth question at center.
Second-line center Barrett Hayton has been unable to follow up last year’s breakout season, which saw him reach 20 goals, and has managed only seven so far, down from last year’s total.
While the former high draft pick has some skill with the puck, the Mammoth may not feel it’s worth rolling the dice on improvement, especially as the playoffs are now in sight.
That’s where Trocheck comes into play. The New York Rangers center provides a well-rounded two-way skill set, exceptional faceoff prowess, and postseason experience. While his point production has fallen off this year, Trocheck has strung together four consecutive 20-goal seasons and sports a reasonable $5.625 million cap hit with multiple years remaining on his deal, just the kind of stability that Utah seems to be seeking.
Whether the Mammoth makes a splash or stands pat, one thing is certain: the Mammoth’s decision at center could have a huge impact on not only their strategy for the deadline but also the extent to which this young team can go when the postseason arrives.
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