Avalanche rival poised to turn the Central Division upside down
Photo credit: Brice Tucker / Deseret News
The Colorado Avalanche's divisional rival, the Utah Mammoth, appear ready to make a major statement this season, with the potential to completely shake up the Central Division landscape in the NHL.
The Mammoth have created a buzz throughout the summer, largely due to the anticipation surrounding what's expected to be their first-ever postseason appearance.
Utah Mammoth poised to make a huge statement this season in the Central Division.
Jacob Punturi from Breakaway On Si writes that the Mammoth have created quite a stir this summer, with excitement building around what's expected to be their first-ever playoff berth.
Now entering their second season since relocating to Salt Lake City, the Mammoth look poised to break through and secure a postseason spot despite competing in the highly competitive Pacific Division.
For the Mammoth, the challenge this season is closing the eight-point gap that separated them from the final playoff position in the Western Conference.
The organization has taken an aggressive approach to bridge that divide, but it's not solely their offseason additions driving optimism.
Rather, it's these three key factors that make the Mammoth a strong contender to secure a spot in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"Year three is about to begin for Logan Cooley. He improved his production from year one to two, but the year two to three leap should be even more noticeable. He's the number one center in Utah, and will likely play alongside captain Clayton Keller and incoming scorer JJ Peterka. If he can take on another 10-15 points, he could reach his first season averaging a point per game." -Punturi
The Mammoth already boast a young core, and with two recent entry-level signings expected to make NHL impacts this season, their youth movement is only growing stronger.
"Defenseman Dmitri Simashev has looked like a veteran during preseason action, his first games in the NHL. The 6'6 Russian-born puck-mover has all of the makings of a top-four defender, and he adds an immediate boost to the blue line.
Daniil But is another former first-round pick who could crack the opening night roster. Also 20 years old, he's a strong and powerful winger. He's a bit unrefined in his game, but he has some passion and a deep toolbox of skills. Both he and Simashev will have an impact of some kind on the NHL club." -Punturi
Daniil But is another former first-round pick who could crack the opening night roster. Also 20 years old, he's a strong and powerful winger. He's a bit unrefined in his game, but he has some passion and a deep toolbox of skills. Both he and Simashev will have an impact of some kind on the NHL club." -Punturi
Finally, it's the Mammoth's strong goaltending tandem that can truly set them apart in the Central Division.
Starter Karel Vejmelka has firmly secured the No. 1 role, which is a major plus for Utah.
Backing him up is proven veteran Vitek Vanecek, who, while no longer the starter he once was in New Jersey, remains more than capable of providing steady support throughout the season.
"This is huge for the Mammoth because they can't overrely on Vejmelka this season. When there is no other option behind him, the overusage brings down his skill set." -Punturi
If the Mammoth can keep Vejmelka's workload to around 50-55 starts and allow Vanecek to handle the remainder, the tandem could form a reliable duo capable of giving Utah a chance to compete in every game.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 6 | 12 ANSWERS Avalanche rival poised to turn the Central Division upside down Will the Mammoth finish ahead of the Avalanche in the Central Division this season? | ||
| yes | 1 | 8.3 % |
| no | 11 | 91.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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