Despite a 2026 first-round Stanley Cup Playoff exit against the Vegas Golden Knights, reaching the postseason in just their second year is a big step forward for the Utah Mammoth. Now comes the challenge of building on that success, whether it’s bolstering the defence, adding secondary scoring, or strengthening the bottom-six. The Mammoth must decide if any free agents fit their system and make them a better team.
Credit Image: © Douglas R. Clifford/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire
Expectations are going to be higher, so this offseason will play a significant role in determining if the Mammoth can win more games next year and reach the playoffs again.
Utah Mammoth Free Agency Include 3 External Players to Look
This year’s free agent class features several quality players, but it’s quite weaker compared to previous years. The limited pool of top talent, combined with the rising salary cap may drive teams into bidding wars and overpaying on deals. So, the Mammoth need to be smart with their approach in free agency. Utah currently has about $13 million in available salary cap space, per Puckpedia, so there’s plenty of room to add some pieces.
Alexander Kerfoot, Ian Cole, Kailer Yamamoto, Kevin Stenlund, Kevin Rooney, and Vitek Vanecek are pending unrestricted free agents. Barrett Hayton is the only restricted free agent. So the question is, if the Mammoth decide to let a few of them depart, then who should they target as replacements?
Connor Ingram
First up is the backup goaltender spot. Vanecek signed for one year to play behind fellow Czechia netminder Karel Vejmelka. However, his short time in Utah was difficult. The 30-year-old went 5-13-3 in 22 appearances this season. Vanecek also had a SV% of just .883. The Mammoth will likely choose a different direction and let him go. That could open the door for a familiar face.
One goaltender that might be available as a free agent is Connor Ingram. Ingram played in Utah during the 2024-2025 campaign and struggled, largely due to personal reasons. He was traded to the Edmonton Oilers, then eventually tabbed as the starter for the Oilers during this year’s playoff series loss to the Anaheim Ducks.
Ingram, 29, compiled a record of 16-10-3 in 32 games with the Oilers. He’s coming off a three-year deal that he signed while on the Arizona Coyotes, which carried over to the Mammoth. Overall, Ingram played well in Edmonton, but the Oilers defence left him out to dry at times.
CONNOR INGRAM WAS NOT ABOUT TO LET THAT IN!!! 😤 pic.twitter.com/PcQGPrm5gw
— NHL (@NHL) April 11, 2026
If he doesn’t stay with the Oilers, a return to Utah is possible because the goalie market is thin. There’s already familiarity, and it would take the load off of Vejmelka. Given he was let go by the Mammoth, it’s more likely Ingram doesn’t come back, but anything can happen.
Noel Acciari
Noel Acciari would be a good choice to replace Stenlund if he leaves the Mammoth. Although he’s five years older than Stenlund, Acciari (34), was on one of the best fourth lines in the NHL this year. He, Blake Lizotte and Connor Dewar played a pivotal role to get the Pittsburgh Penguins into the postseason.
Cookie on the doorstep 💪 pic.twitter.com/HY30aC1IsM
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 11, 2026
Like Stenlund, Acciari’s a role player. In addition to playing the fourth line, he killed penalties for the Penguins. Pittsburgh finished sixth in that category. Acciari can slot in at both centre or right wing, and he’s gone seven-consecutive seasons with a faceoff rating of 50% or better.
Ryan Shea
If Cole doesn’t re-sign with the Mammoth, then Utah could look to add more depth to their defence. Penguins defenceman Ryan Shea would be a great choice. Shea was one of Pittsburgh’s top blueliners. He had a career-high 35 points and 92 blocks in 80 games, while averaging 18:53. Shea was also a +30, which was the best on the Penguins.
Pittsburgh goal!
Scored by Kris Letang with 02:48 remaining in the 2nd period.
Assisted by Sidney Crosby and Ryan Shea.
Pittsburgh: 3
Philadelphia: 2#PHIvsPIT #LetsGoPens #IgniteTheOrange pic.twitter.com/R9d0NcD8a6— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) April 28, 2026
His current cap hit is $900,000, so Shea’s due for a significant raise. However, if the Mammoth aren’t yet comfortable giving 21-year-old Dmitri Simashev top minutes, then Shea would fit the bill. He’s already proven capable of taking on a larger workload and would bring a consistent two-way presence. Odds are the Penguins retain him, but Shea’s someone to keep an eye on.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 NHL Entry Draft is in a few weeks. Barring a trade, the Mammoth will make seven selections in the event. Utah picks 19th in the first round, so another young player will join one of the best prospect groups in the NHL.
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
