The Utah Mammoth announced this week that they have secured forward Joshua Roy from the Montreal Canadiens, parting with defenseman Max Szuber in the process. The transaction, confirmed by both clubs, underscores a calculated shift in roster construction as the Mammoth aim to bolster their offensive depth.
A Strategic Exchange
Roy, a 22‑year‑old forward who spent the 2025‑26 season with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, posted career‑high numbers of 23 goals, 22 assists and 45 points across 57 games. His consistent production over three seasons in the AHL — 56 goals, 56 assists and 112 points in 145 appearances — has positioned him as a promising prospect for the NHL.
Conversely, Szuber, 23, departs Utah after a solid campaign with the Tucson Roadrunners, where he recorded a personal best of 11 goals and 16 assists for 27 points in 65 games. The defenseman’s 200 AHL games for Tucson have yielded 25 goals and 62 assists, and he made his NHL debut with the Arizona Coyotes in 2023‑24.
Both players bring distinct skill sets to their new environments. Roy’s offensive versatility and experience in the AHL make him a candidate to contribute immediately, while Szuber’s defensive reliability and offensive upside could provide depth on the Mammoth’s back end. Their respective draft histories — Roy a fifth‑round pick in 2021 and Szuber a sixth‑round selection in 2022 — highlight the developmental pathways that have led to this exchange.
Future Implications
The trade also reflects broader strategic considerations for each franchise. For the Canadiens, moving Roy opens cap space and roster flexibility, while acquiring Szuber adds a young, adaptable defenseman. The Mammoth view the acquisition as a step toward building a more competitive lineup capable of contending in the Western Conference. Analysts suggest that the move could influence the upcoming season’s dynamics, especially as both teams evaluate their prospects and adjust their developmental pipelines.