{"id":491444,"date":"2026-06-07T08:08:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T12:08:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=491444"},"modified":"2026-06-06T18:45:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T22:45:39","slug":"utah-mammoth-free-agency-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2026\/06\/07\/utah-mammoth-free-agency-3\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Potential Free Agents the Utah Mammoth Could Target"},"content":{"rendered":"

Despite a 2026 first-round Stanley Cup Playoff exit against the Vegas Golden Knights<\/a>, reaching the postseason in just their second year is a big step forward for the Utah Mammoth<\/a>. Now comes the challenge of building on that success, whether it\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Credit Image: \u00a9 Douglas R. Clifford\/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Wire<\/span><\/p>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

Utah Mammoth Free Agency Include 3 External Players to Look<\/h2>\n

This year\u2019s free agent class features several quality players, but it\u2019s 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<\/a>, so there’s plenty of room to add some pieces.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alexander Kerfoot, Ian Cole<\/a>, Kailer Yamamoto, Kevin Stenlund<\/a>, 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?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Connor Ingram<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One goaltender that might be available as a free agent is Connor Ingram<\/a>. Ingram played in Utah during the 2024-2025 campaign and struggled, largely due to personal reasons. He was traded to the Edmonton Oilers<\/a>, then eventually tabbed as the starter for the Oilers during this year\u2019s playoff series loss to the Anaheim Ducks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ingram, 29, compiled a record of 16-10-3 in 32 games with the Oilers. He\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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CONNOR INGRAM WAS NOT ABOUT TO LET THAT IN!!! \ud83d\ude24 pic.twitter.com\/PcQGPrm5gw<\/a><\/p>\n

— NHL (@NHL) April 11, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n