What was the Utah Mammoth’s best offseason move? Our reporter answers your NHL questions.

Earlier this week, we answered 10 of your most pressing questions about the Utah Mammoth. Here are 10 more questions and answers in the second part of our offseason mailbag.

1. Who was the best offseason addition?

It is hard to truly say until we see all of the new additions get a full season of Mammoth hockey under their belts. But at first glance — and looking at Utah’s biggest needs — I would say J.J. Peterka is running away with this one. He will, though, have to prove that true.

The Mammoth needed more goals last season. Utah lost 13 games in overtime (and, in hand, 13 points that would’ve put them in the playoffs) because it couldn’t find the backbreaking tally. The Mammoth were 21st in the league for goals for last season with 240. What is more telling is that Utah was 25th in the league for third-period goals with 81. The Vegas Golden Knights had the most third-period goals with 109, the Colorado Avalanche had 108, the Washington Capitals had 105 and the Winnipeg Jets had 103. What did those teams also have in common? They won. A lot.

Utah needs a scoring punch that can help separate the team in tightly-contested games and earn the points that will affect the playoff picture. It is not to say that Peterka is going to be the Mammoth’s savior and have a 50-goal season, but the top-six reinforcements will be important.

Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) waits for a face-off during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

Peterka had 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists) in 77 games with the Buffalo Sabres last season. He played first-line and power play minutes. The belief is that his ceiling is much higher, too. Peterka is 23 years old — and if he can gel with the likes of Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther — it could really change things for the Mammoth.

I would be remiss not to mention defenseman Dmitri Simashev and forward Daniil But, too. I think Simashev is the more NHL-ready player of the two, but simply getting them in the system is a positive for Utah. Simashev (2023 sixth overall pick) and But (2023 12th overall pick) have been in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia together since getting drafted by the then Arizona Coyotes. Both signed their entry-level contracts in May and will be two to watch at training camp. Even if Simashev or But (or both) have to spend some time in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners, it is an advantage that they will be in the Mammoth organization, getting to know the playbook, coaches and other staff.

2. What results for players and the team will be considered exceeding expectations?

I think making the playoffs and having a competitive first round would border on exceeding expectations. Getting to the second round would definitely be in that category. The internal goal for all the players is to have a postseason appearance this year.

It is doable, for sure, but far from a guarantee.

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Hockey Club celebrates their victory over the Calgary Flames during the game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Essentially every team in the Western Conference (that was in the race last year) got better during the offseason. Yes, along with the Mammoth. I just say that to highlight that it will not be an easy feat. Utah will need to find a consistency — between periods and games — that it did not have last season. Stringing together more than three to four wins in a row would, obviously, help.

It sounds cliché, but if the Mammoth can excel at the little things — strong team defense, reliable goaltending, timely scoring and playing with some spunk — I think they will be happy with where they stand at the end.

3. With all of the knowns and unknowns over the last few seasons, does it feel different preparing for this season in comparison?

It definitely feels different, in an exciting way. Similar to the team, the media really did not know what to expect coming into the first year in Salt Lake City. Having that familiarity — and a season of stories, relationships built and a bit of context — feels good. It has also been cool to watch the anticipation build from the fanbase during the summer as October nears. It is their team now, instead of one they are getting to know.

I am most relieved to (soon) have a long offseason behind me. I am most looking forward to being back in the rhythm of the season, covering games and practices and interacting with the community on a daily basis. I’ve truly missed it!

4. ​​How many goals do you think Dylan Guenther gets this season?

It is easy to forget — I often do — that last year was Guenther’s first full NHL season. He played 45 games with the Arizona Coyotes in 2023-24 and 33 in 2022-23. And even so, he finished second in goals on the Mammoth with 27 (just three behind Clayton Keller).

That is a good sign for Utah. When Guenther was ruled out with a lower-body injury in January and missed 12 games, he talked about how it was a good reset period for him, both mentally and physically. It was the first time he had put his body through a complete NHL grind, and he could feel it somewhat catching up to him.

(Matt Krohn | AP) Utah Hockey Club right wing Dylan Guenther (11) is congratulated for his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn.

Now that he has that learning experience and knows what to expect, I think he can unlock another level in his game. His teammates say it all the time — Guenther is just getting started. I tend to agree. I think he can go for 35-40 goals next season.

5. Where does each player on the Mammoth typically go to train for the offseason? Is it typical for most guys to leave the city where they play for the offseason?

Yes, it is very typical for players to leave the city they play in during the offseason — this is not specific to Utah. Some will go back home; Mikhail Sergachev has spent the summer in Russia, Jack McBain and Sean Durzi have been in Canada, Keller is in Arizona.

Players have trainers and skill coaches with whom they work during the summer apart from their respective teams. A lot of NHLers from different teams skate and go to the gym together in the offseason, depending on where they are located. It is a good refresh and mental break from the pressure and spotlight of the regular season.

6. What milestones would Carcone need to prove he deserves a spot?

It might just end up being a numbers game for Michael Carcone. Unfairly or not, he was pushed out of the forward group for stretches last season and, this year, the Mammoth have more bodies and internal competition up front. It will be an uphill battle for Carcone, but one he said he will embrace.

After logging 29 points (21 goals, eight assists) in 74 games with the Coyotes in 2023-24, Carcone had 19 points (seven goals, 12 assists) in 53 games last season in Utah. He was often a healthy scratch and, when in the lineup, could not find consistency in production. The snarl and edge he plays with was a bonus, but his smaller size (5-foot-9, 182 pounds) does not help.

Brandon Tanev could also be a roadblock for Carcone. The new Mammoth forward signed a three-year, $7.5 million contract with the team in July and is primed to play the grinding, bottom-six role (who can still score at times) that Carcone will be fighting for. Liam O’Brien is another name that Carcone had to go up against for playing time last season. In my opinion, Carcone is the better hockey player. But there is no denying the jam and energy O’Brien can bring.

(Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Hockey Club left wing Michael Carcone (53) moves the puck down the ice during the third period of the NHL game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.

In short, I am not sure if milestones will wholly help Carcone. Scoring, playing a two-way game and making the most of his minutes are important. But with all the returning forwards, signed free agents and budding prospects, it might take an injury for Carcone to crack the lineup. I could see him falling in the extra-forward slot again.

He seems determined to prove people wrong, though, and plays well with a chip on his shoulder. I’d like to see the redemption arch — just not sure it is realistic.

7. Do you have any insight into whether there will still be Smith’s ticket deals and/or student discounts, or anything similar?

The Mammoth are planning to continue the same discounted ticket programs with Smith’s and Moxie for $10 single-goal view upper-bowl seats.

8. Any progress on the Cooley extension?

When we talked to team president Chris Armstrong in July, he said Utah had positive conversations with Cooley and that they were “on schedule” for the contract extension.

I would not worry too much about the timing. The Mammoth did not sign Guenther to his eight-year extension until Sept. 20 last year. Cooley still has one season left on his three-year, entry-level contract ($950,000 AAV), so even if negotiations do go long, the two sides have time to buy.

There is also the fact that the NHL salary cap — which was $88 million this year — is going up to $95.5 million in the 2025-26 season and continuing to increase from there. Accordingly, players will likely push for more money.

(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Hockey Club center Logan Cooley prepares for a face-off versus the Seattle Kraken at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

A potential comparison is Wyatt Johnston on the Dallas Stars. Johnston, who was selected 23rd overall by the Stars in the 2021 NHL Draft, is a 22-year-old center. He had 71 points (33 goals, 38 assists) in 82 regular-season games (Cooley likely would have logged the same if he were not injured for seven games this year). Johnston is on the power play and penalty kill for the Stars, too. Dallas signed Johnston to a five-year, $42 million contract (with an $8.4 million AAV) in March.

Cooley has said he wants to stay in Utah long term, and the front office has said he is a big part of the team’s future. I imagine something gets done before October.

9. Any plans to catch some road games this year?

Yes! Like last season, I will travel to a number of team’s away games and provide full coverage (features, game recaps, X updates, podcast) while there. Getting to explore new cities and NHL arenas is one of the best parts of the job and I can’t wait to get out there again. I will continue to chronicle all the good food finds on the road, too, if wanted or not.

10. Are you having a fun summer in Utah?

Utah summer has treated me well. As much as I love the grind of the hockey season, it has been nice to have some free time to explore the state. My dad came out in June, and we did Arches National Park, which was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. My dad was, randomly, a geology major in college, so it was a highlight for him, too, to geek out over rocks. Sugar House Park has become my favorite walking loop, Loki Coffee is my new favorite place for an iced latte and I’ve been loving the constant sunshine. No complaints!