After being defeated by the Vegas Golden Knights in Round 1 of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Utah Mammoth now shift their focus to the offseason. This was the first playoff appearance in Mammoth history, and the first for rising stars like Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther. Despite being eliminated, this was a successful season because this young Utah team exceeded expectations and gained valuable playoff experience. As an underdog, the Mammoth were more than ready to compete, taking Vegas to six games. The Golden Knights are currently in the Western Conference Final, while the future looks bright in Utah.
Utah Mammoth Free Agents That Should Return Next Season
Free agency is right around the corner, so it’s never too early to debate what decisions the Mammoth should make. This period is very important because Utah needs to assess if the current personnel within the organization are the right pieces to help the team moving forward. If they aren’t, then they could be released to free agency and replaced with other available players.
Credit Image: © Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire)
Given how well the season turned out, it’s more than likely that general manager Bill Armstrong would like to keep most of the team together. Here are four pending free agents the Mammoth need to consider re-signing this offseason.
Kailer Yamamoto (RW)- Unrestricted Free Agent
Yamamoto was an unknown coming into the season. The former 2017 first-round draft pick signed a professional tryout with Utah. His strong play helped him make the roster out of training camp and a one-year deal worth the league minimum at $775,000 to stick with the Mammoth. It was actually surprising how quickly Yamamoto became a mainstay in the Utah lineup.
The 27-year-old winger played in 59 games and registered 13 goals and 23 points. Considering Yamamoto averaged just 11:12 of ice time, he was very productive while mostly in a bottom-six role. He even carried that form into the playoffs, getting five points during the series against the Golden Knights.
https://t.co/bhU4JoAN30 pic.twitter.com/CXMLvhKYDq
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) May 2, 2026
This is the type of production every team needs from the bottom six. Yamamoto’s been a great fit for the Mammoth and it would be wise to get his signature on a new contract.
Ian Cole (D) – Unrestricted Free Agent
Cole’s played for many different teams over his 16-year career, but this season was one of his most consistent. The two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins registered 23 points and led the Mammoth with 151 blocked shots. Cole also plays in a very defensive role, so the offence is a great bonus.
Cole played on the third defence pairing and averaged 18:16 of ice time. He was also on Utah’s top penalty killing unit. Cole appeared in all 82 games for the second consecutive season. Not only that, his presence on and off the ice is important for the young Mammoth players.
Ian Cole with an open ice hit on Keegan Kolesar!
🎥 Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/x1EyiRuzkE
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) April 30, 2026
If Utah wants to re-sign Cole, they could give him another one-year deal. That would allow the Mammoth to keep the 36-year-old on a cost-effective contract and save on cap space. They do have defensive prospects in the system, but it’s definitely something they could still consider.
Barrett Hayton (C)- Restricted Free Agent
Among their free agents, Hayton’s probably the biggest question mark for the Mammoth. After playing in every game last season, Hayton played in just 67 this year due to injuries. The former 2018 fifth-overall pick finished with only 25 points, and was unable to take part in the playoffs.
Although it may feel like Hayton’s time in Utah is coming to an end, the Mammoth shouldn’t cut ties with him. He had a career-high 46 points last year and was over 50% on faceoffs. Skilled two-way centres aren’t easy to find on the open market. So, Utah should offer Hayton a two-year bridge deal and have him play as the third-line centre behind Nick Schmaltz and Cooley. His time as a top prospect may be over, but Hayton can still be an important player.
Kevin Stenlund (C) – Unrestricted Free Agent
Stenlund’s one of those “under-the-radar” players because he isn’t the most offensive or flashy. However, he contributes to the Mammoth in other ways. As the fourth line centre, Stenlund won 54% of the faceoffs he was in this season, which is a very respectable number. In addition, he also played alongside Cole on the first penalty kill unit.
Stenlund should get consideration for a new contract because he’s a reliable player that can play in key situations. When Utah needed a defensive zone faceoff win, Stenlund was the go-to guy. He’s also only 29, so the Mammoth could give him a multi-year deal to remain as the fourth line centre.
Good things happen when you go to the net! 😀 #StanleyCup
🇺🇸: @espn
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet & @TVASports pic.twitter.com/h0fPoVgKwC— NHL (@NHL) April 20, 2026
Up Next
The Mammoth are preparing for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft in Buffalo on June 26 and 27, as well as the free agency period that starts on July 1. For now, Utah enters the summer with a clear plan rather than feeling pressure to make a big move. With the core already starting to take shape, Utah’s expected to focus on reinforcing depth instead of making major roster changes.
Main Photo Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
