The Utah Mammoth will likely start their inaugural season with a much different roster to what they are currently working with, and amongst the chatter of who will stay and who will go in the offseason, three big name stars could be on their radar in this year's free agency.
With around $21 million in cap space for next season, and with no notable UFA’s pending, the Mammoth have a lot of money and space to work with, and alongside their fourth overall pick in this years draft, they could be set for some big splashes in free agency and in the trade market.
Three names come to mind when thinking of who Utah could make big splashes on, the three being Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers, and Florida’s Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad. With Ehlers looking to be the most likely of the three to fully test the free agency market, seeking a big deal over a five or six year contract could be the perfect statement move for Utah, and had they splash the cash could help push them to the next step offensively. Being a good offensive producer, both on the scoring and playmaking sides, his veterinary experiences over an almost 10 year career in the NHL could be a massive help in terms of development for their young team, and would add much more than just his superstar abilities. With the youth on the top line, Ehlers could slot into either the top or second line depending on how the Mammoth would want to spread out the prospects, but if they want to improve quickly on the wings, a hotshot playmaker like Ehlers would be pretty cap friendly, and a perfect player to add, but competition could be a problem.
Like in Ehlers’ case, the Mammoth’s pull isn't as attractive as those in Florida or Texas, but in Panthers Sam Bennetts’ case, the dollar signs may be all that matters. As the Panthers are currently doing everything they can to come to terms with the 28 year old, had a deal not come to fruition, Bennett is rumoured to be seeking a massive deal that could reach double figures, and after this years playoff performances, it could be a big plunge for the Mammoth to show him the money, and bring one of the most exciting and complete players to Utah. In Utah’s case, this is another massive battle for a player of his calibre, but with a need for a heavy hitting, but offensively sound producer, their wiggle room in cap space could be enough to bring Bennett to Utah, and yet again would be a statement addition to a growing team who needs to fierce physicality.
But with Bennett likely favouring a stay in Florida, one Panthers veteran, and former first overall pick in 2014 Aaron Ekblad is looking like he will hit the free agency market on July 1st with the Panthers focusing on other extensions, and could be tempted by the project in Utah, and more tempted by the money. It is easier to say that this offseason it will be Bennett or Ekblad for Utah, both being a stretch and could be too much of a financial commitment, but with a cap hit of $7.5 million, the increase won't be much higher, and even on a three to four year deal at eight or nine million AAV, a player with Stanley Cup experience on the back end will only further the strength in the defensive core, and would still allow open angles for offensive additions.
Sure the Mammoth will bring in some role players and improvements, and will likely be active in the trade market with big roster shake ups coming, but with three big candidates on the table, Utah have the financial power, and a lot of faith in the core to bring in some much needed experience, and could bring in some of the best players available this offseason had everything go to plan.
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