​On June 25, 2025, the Utah Mammoth made a bold move by acquiring JJ Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres, surrendering fan favorite Josh Doan in the process. In a prior article, the Lead examined which side came out ahead in that trade, and it’s fair to say Buffalo benefited. Doan delivered a standout season, fueling the Sabres’ deep playoff run, while Peterka posted solid regular-season numbers but disappeared when the games mattered most in the playoffs. In exit interviews, Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong appeared comfortable with the winger’s status, yet during Draft Day the organization pivoted, shipping Peterka to the Boston Bruins in exchange for two first-round picks. With the added firepower, Utah used one of those selections to bring in goalie Sebastian Cossa.
Even though Peterka didn’t reach his ceiling in Utah, he still contributed enough to help push the Mammoth into the postseason. The center finished fourth on the team with 25 goals and was sixth with 22 assists, totaling 47 points. That kind of production is not easy to replace, and Utah will need another player to step up to fill the gap—especially as the front office sets its sights on another playoff run. Free agency and training camp present several viable options for replacing Peterka’s production.
Vincent Trocheck, who had been on a no-trade list that favored Western teams, seemed destined for an Eastern contender, but he ultimately accepted a trade to Utah. The Olympic gold medalist brings a veteran presence and a physical edge the Mammoth could use, especially in the playoffs when momentum often hinges on that grit. With 37 assists and 16 goals for 53 points last season, Trocheck outpaced Peterka’s 47, and he contributes more than offense. He is also a reliable two-way center, ranking second on the New York Rangers in hits and third in takeaways, adding valuable defensive stability to Utah’s lineup.
Anders Lee, after a 14-season run with the New York Islanders, has moved on to a new organization, reportedly choosing Utah over the Minnesota Wild. Lee provides steady leadership to the Mammoth’s young locker room, having captained the Islanders for many years. His presence could be instrumental in developing prospects such as Tij Iginla, should they crack the NHL roster. The veteran forward stands 6-foot-3, offering another physical option that can help on both ends of the ice. Like Trocheck, Lee is known for his willingness to win back pucks, delivering rough-and-tumble efficiency that can swing momentum in tight games. He scored 42 points this past season, a tally that keeps him in the same neighborhood as Peterka’s regular-season output and adds a veteran dimension Utah was seeking.
Among the potential replacements, Tij Iginla stands out as the most intriguing option. Now in his fifth WHL season, he appears ready to make the jump to the NHL with training camp just weeks away. Scoring comes naturally to Iginla; in 57 games with the Kelowna Rockets this season, he lit the lamp 48 times, underscoring his goal-scoring instincts and potential to translate that talent to the professional level.
The Mammoth face an important transition period, balancing seasoned help with the development of younger players. The organization has shown a willingness to leverage free agency and the draft to rebuild its scoring depth while maintaining the competitive edge necessary to reach the playoffs again. The acquisitions of Trocheck and Lee, along with the ongoing evaluation of Iginla and other prospects, position Utah to field a more resilient lineup that can endure the grind of a full season and a rigorous postseason. As training camp nears, the emphasis will be on integrating these newcomers, sharpening team chemistry, and ensuring that Utah is not just playoff-worthy but a legitimate contender.