Utah Mammoth is becoming a player destination
Issue 4’s Dave Pagnotta joins The Sheet with Jeff Marek to discuss the Utah Mammoths and whether general manager Bill Armstrong will be aggressive and look to add a big-name player to the roster.
Transcribed by NHLRumors.com
NHL Rumors: Utah Mammoths vs. Edmonton Oilers
Jeff Marek: “Let me ask about the situation in Utah. Last time we talked, we were talking about Logan Cooley and whether Armstrong wanted to use this contract as a bar. We’ll see where that contract ends up. (Armstrong and the Mammoths did that when Cooley extended his contract).
But, during the offseason, before he re-signed with Florida, I really got the impression that if Aaron Ekblad hit the market, Utah would be one of the places he might end up. I think we’re all curious about Detroit. But Ekblad and (Mikhail) Sergachev are your first pair of guys like that, and that’s a real message, and that’s where Ryan Smith lives.
Like, he wants to try and build the best team here. Obviously, what do you think is going to happen in Utah this year? I mean, (J.J.) Peter was stuck in the offseason, and that was a big thing. But I find it hard to believe that Armstrong is done. “
Dave Pannotta: “Me too. The short answer is, he’s not. As I fully expected, we’ve heard all the speculation lately about certain teams that are ultimately looking for big games and are willing to add big pieces. Utah is right up there.”
NHL Rumors: Could the Calgary Flames make a trade after Game 20?
I mean, they want to make a splash in the offseason, or make some noise in the offseason. I like the Peterka version, but they wish they had done more. I fully expect any big name wigs to come out this season, and I fully expect Bill Armstrong and company in Utah to be right behind them.
They’ve been given full license to do whatever they need to do as long as it helps this team and keeps them in playoff contention and beyond. They want to make some noise. Right now, they have some interesting players on expiring contracts like Nick Schmaltz and a few others, but the team currently has about $5 million in cap space.
They’re willing to make some, some type of big move, whether it’s on defense or adding someone else up front. I think if there’s an opportunity for Bill Armstrong to make his team better in any aspect of the game and any area in the frontcourt or backcourt, it’s wide open for them.
NHL Rumors: Nashville Predators trying to find player for Steven Stamkos
He’s actually been given the green light to do that, and I doubt Utah will aggressively pursue it this season, and even if they do, Jeff, in the summer. This team not only wants to do that, but now understands that they are becoming a destination for many players simply because of the care this organization takes for its athletes and their families.
This is a big factor for a lot of people and word has spread, especially since they introduced or unveiled (sorry) their driving range. Many words began to spread. I’m telling you, I’ve talked to players, I’ve talked to agents, I’ve talked to people around the league, Utah is opening a lot of players’ eyes, and I may not have thought about it, but everything I’m hearing I love. “
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? A roundup of rumors and trending topics from around the league. We also post some content on Instagram.
