The second day of the 2026 NHL Draft proved to be a busy one for the Utah Mammoth, as the franchise announced the addition of five promising prospects. Each selection was met with excitement, signaling the team’s intent to bolster its lineup with a blend of domestic talent and international experience.
A Michigan Standout
Adam Valentini, a forward who spent his freshman season at the University of Michigan, was chosen in the third round. He posted a 11‑16‑27 line with 46 penalty minutes in 40 games and helped the Wolverines capture the Big Ten championship. His leadership extended to the international stage, where he served as an alternate captain for Canada at the 2026 IIHF Under‑18 World Championship.
Joining him in the draft was goaltender Carl Axelsson, a native of Sweden who earned his spot with Muskegon in the USHL. Axelsson posted a 28‑14‑1 record, a 2.48 goals‑against average, a .916 save percentage and two shutouts across 44 games in the 2025‑26 season. He has committed to the University of Minnesota Duluth for the upcoming 2026‑27 campaign, bringing a proven record of consistency and composure.
Swedish Defensive Talent
Defenseman Theodor Knights, who honed his game with MoDo’s junior squad in Sweden, was selected in the fifth round. Knights arrives with a résumé that includes a silver medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and a bronze at the 2025 World Junior A Challenge, underscoring his ability to perform on big stages.
Also drafted in the fifth round was forward Florent Houle, a key contributor for the Sherbrooke Phoenix in the QMJHL. Houle recorded 19 goals, 22 assists and 41 points overall, while accumulating 93 penalty minutes in 52 games, a combination of offensive flair and physical presence that should translate well to the professional game.
The final pick of the day was Artem Prima, a forward from the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. Prima contributed six goals, eight assists and 14 points in 17 games during the 2025‑26 season, while spending eight minutes in the penalty box. His performance in both the USHL and NAHL highlighted his potential as a depth scorer.
Collectively, these five newcomers represent a strategic mix of skill sets, from the offensive firepower of Valentini to the defensive reliability of Knights and the steady hands of Axelsson. As the Mammoth integrate them into their system, the organization looks to build on its recent successes and push for a deeper playoff run in the coming seasons.