The Utah Mammoth have been plagued by the injury bug for the majority of this season. The biggest loss has been to Logan Cooley, who is the top centre on the Mammoth. But, the last few seasons have been especially difficult for Sean Durzi. He appeared in just 30 games last year, and an upper-body injury caused him to miss 21 contests this season. However, since making his return, Durzi has delivered exactly what Utah’s been missing. Besides Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino, the Mammoth don’t normally get much offence from their defencemen, but Durzi has provided just that. His ability to generate scoring chances and goals has quickly made him a key contributor on Utah’s blueline. The former second-round selection in 2018 is a big part of the Mammoth organization, and continues to show how invaluable he really is.
Sean Durzi Demonstrating His Importance to Utah
Since Durzi rejoined the Mammoth lineup, they jumped the NHL rankings in points by defencemen. Per Statmuse, Utah now ranks 10th overall in that department. The 27-year-old had a five-game point streak, and six points over the last seven games (one goal, five assists). Two of those points came while on the man advantage, with Durzi playing on Utah’s second power play unit. Eight points in just 18 games this year is very respectable for a defenceman, and it’s a good sign for Durzi’s form. In addition to registering points, Durzi’s been shooting the puck more often. Durzi has fired 34 shots on goal, putting him only five short of last season’s mark of 39. He recently had a season-high of five against the Detroit Red Wings.
Back like he never left! 👏
🚨 Kerfy makes it 3-0, Mammoth! pic.twitter.com/3mA0oqkkkS
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) December 22, 2025
The importance of getting offence from the blueline cannot be understated, because it’s essential. Look at teams like the Colorado Avalanche, they have 113 points from their defence, which ranks first. Cale Makar is a big reason for that, but having the ability to generate offence from the back can make a team tougher to handle. Whether it’s a shot from the point or a clean breakout pass, Durzi’s important for that. Look for him to keep collecting points.
Durzi’s Return Has Bolstered the Mammoth Defence
Durzi isn’t just showing off his offensive talents with the Mammoth, he’s also shown that he’s very capable of playing a steady defensive game. The Ontario native has been a shot blocking machine over the last month, averaging two blocks per game since coming back. Durzi has 36 on the year, while his career-high of 160 came in 2023-2024. Overall, Durzi’s thriving again in his usual top-pairing role alongside Sergachev, averaging 20:08 of ice time. That number could continue to rise, as long as he stays healthy.
Being next to Sergachev takes away some of the defensive responsibility from Durzi. That gives him more freedom to join in on the offence, which has certainly worked in Utah’s favour. The Mammoth have been a better defensive team this season. They’re ranked 12th in goals allowed per game (2.92), second in shots on goal allowed, and seventh in penalty kill (82.6%). Despite the good defensive metrics, the Mammoth have conceded 112 goals. There’s still work to be done to tighten things up, but Durzi makes the Utah defence better.
Up Next
The Mammoth are now on Christmas break and will return Monday at home against the Nashville Predators. Utah is fourth in the Central Division with an 18-18-3 record and 39 points. Although losing Cooley made the situation more difficult, the Mammoth have faired well recently, winning four of their last six. Which means Utah is starting to play with some more consistency despite losing one of their top players.
Main Photo Credit: Rob Gray – Imagn Images
