Utah Mammoth secure Max Pšenička for three years
The Utah Mammoth announced today that they have signed 19‑year‑old Czech defenseman Max Pšenička to a three‑year, entry‑level contract, a move that bolsters the franchise’s blue line with a blend of size, mobility and offensive upside.
Pšenička, who stands 6‑foot‑5 and weighs roughly 230 pounds, spent the 2025‑26 season with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League, where he posted eight goals and 22 assists for 30 points in 53 games. His performance placed him second among Mammoth‑affiliated defensemen in both assists and overall scoring, underscoring his rapid development.
The Czech prospect also represented his country at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, contributing three points in seven games as Czechia captured the silver medal. Prior to his North American adventure, he honed his skills in the Czech Extraliga with HC Plzeň, scoring two goals in 16 appearances and adding 11 points in 20 outings for the junior side.
After signing his first North American contract, Pšenička made his AHL debut with the Tucson Roadrunners, registering an assist in his inaugural game. Since turning pro, he has compiled nine goals and 37 points across 77 regular‑season appearances, a trajectory that caught the eye of the Mammoth’s scouting department.
Selected 46th overall in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft, Pšenička joins a Utah roster that is looking to blend youthful talent with veteran leadership. General manager comments praised the player’s “size, work ethic and offensive instincts,” noting that the new contract reflects the organization’s commitment to developing home‑grown and international prospects.
Looking ahead
With the three‑year deal in place, the Mammoth anticipate that Pšenička will continue to grow into a key defensive contributor. His combination of physical presence and offensive flair positions him as a potential catalyst for a team aiming to return to the playoffs and make a deeper run in the Western Conference.