In this Summer Coolers edition of NHL Wraparound, Neil Smith and Vic Morren break down the newly renamed Utah Mammoth—formerly the Utah Hockey Club—who enter their first season with a permanent identity and rising expectations.

Despite a rebrand and a new home in Salt Lake City, the pressure remains: make the playoffs for the first time in six years. With a talented forward group, fresh additions on defense, and three NHL-level goaltenders, this team may be young—but they’re no longer rebuilding.

🧊 IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Why Neil hates team names without an “S”

[01:00] From Arizona to Utah: A franchise reset

[02:30] 23 home losses last season: What gives?

[03:00] Offseason moves: JJ Peterka trade, Schmidt, Vaněček, Timmons

[04:15] Peterka re-signs (5 years, $7.7M AAV)

[05:00] Returning core: Keller, Schmaltz, Gunther, Cooley, Crouse

[06:00] Goaltending shuffle: Vejmelka, Vaněček, and Ingram

[07:00] Coach Tourigny’s last shot? Playoffs or bust

[08:30] Depth chart resembles St. Louis Blues: Is that a good thing?

[09:30] Young guns: Tij Iginla + Michael Hrabal prospect watch

[10:00] Locker room chemistry, community support, and the road ahead

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

JJ Peterka is a huge addition, giving Utah much-needed top-six scoring and grit.

Goalie situation is crowded but upgraded: Vaněček adds stability behind Vejmelka and the uncertain Connor Ingram.

Defense is deeper with Nate Schmidt, Olli Määttä, and Scott Perunovich joining the mix.

Utah’s home record must improve (18–15–8 last year), especially with a passionate Salt Lake fanbase now fully engaged.

Coach André Tourigny is on the hot seat: This will be his fifth year without a playoff appearance—rare for any NHL bench boss.

🎯 FINAL WORD:

With a fresh brand and a full NHL arena, the Utah Mammoth are no longer an experiment—they’re a team with expectations. The playoff drought has to end, or sweeping changes may come next season. Between a hungry fanbase, solid core, and new energy, this team could make noise in the West—but only if they start strong.

🔗 RESOURCE LINKS:

📺 YouTube: NHL Wraparound Channel

🐦 X (Twitter): @NHLWraparound

🎤 Neil Smith: @NYCNeil

📘 Vic Morren: Vic on LinkedIn

📸 Instagram: @NHLWraparound

🎵 TikTok: @NHLWraparound

👍 Facebook: NHL Wraparound Facebook

🏒 HASHTAGS

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