In a landmark season for the franchise, the Utah Mammoth secured their first playoff berth in 2026, shattering the previous franchise record and outpacing the Arizona Coyotes' lone postseason run during their final twelve years.
A New Generation Takes the Ice
At the heart of the Mammoth’s success are two emerging stars: Dylan Guenther, who erupted for 40 goals and 73 points last season, nearly doubling the previous record for a Utah or Arizona player under 23, and Logan Cooley, whose 65 points in his second year—despite missing 29 games—solidified his role as the team’s second‑line center.
The roster also leans heavily on top prospects Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers, whose junior careers were marked by prolific production—69 points per season for Iginla in the WHL and 73 points per season for Desnoyers in the QMHL—signaling their readiness to contribute at the NHL level.
Utah’s coaching staff plans to deploy these youngsters in offensive zones and on the power play, a tactic designed to maximize scoring chances while easing the defensive burden on the veteran core.
Veterans such as Jack McBain, Barrett Hayton and Lawson Crouse provide the stability needed as the team navigates the physical demands of playoff hockey, but the ultimate test will be how the prospects adapt to the NHL’s heightened intensity during training camp.