Vanessa: Nick, I've got one question for you before we even say hello: with all these new faces, who's getting sent to the minors in a month?
Nick: Vanessa, it's the most cutthroat camp I've seen in Utah. And it's not just about the fourth line — there's a real logjam at center and on the blue line.
Vanessa: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network. I'm Vanessa, and as always, Nick's here with the sharpest takes in the game. Today, we're breaking down the Mammoth's roster battles.
Nick: And we've got three big ones to dig into. First, the center situation. Then we'll look at the wings, and finally, who's on the bubble for the blue line.
Vanessa: Plus, we'll make our predictions for the opening night lineup. Stick with us, because this one's going to be heated.
Vanessa: Alright, let's start with the biggest battle: center. The Mammoth just went out and signed Vincent Trocheck, and you've got Barrett Hayton locked in after that offer sheet. What does that do to the depth chart?
Nick: It's a logjam, plain and simple. You've got Trocheck, Hayton, and Logan Cooley all capable of top-six minutes. Then you've got Nick Schmaltz, Jack McBain, and a bunch of guys fighting for the bottom six.
Vanessa: That's a lot of centers. Who do you see as the top line guy? Is Trocheck the number one?
Nick: I think Trocheck is your 1C, no question. He's a proven playoff performer, and the Mammoth didn't bring him in to play third line. But that pushes Cooley down to the second line, which is interesting.
Vanessa: Cooley on the second line? That's a luxury. But what about Hayton? He just got paid, and he's going to want top-six minutes.
Nick: Exactly. And that's where it gets tricky. I think Hayton could end up on the wing, or he could be the third-line center. But if he's on the third line, that's a lot of money for a third-line center.
Vanessa: So who's the odd man out? Cameron Hebig? Kevin Rooney?
Nick: I think Rooney and Stenlund are battling for the fourth-line center spot. Hebig might be the odd man out, especially with all these guys coming in. He's had a good camp, but it's just numbers.
Vanessa: That's brutal. But what about the wing? You've got Anders Lee coming in, plus the usual suspects. That's another battle.
Nick: Let's save that for the next segment. But I'll say this: the wing is just as crowded.
Vanessa: Alright, we're back. Nick, you said the wings are just as crowded. Let's break it down.
Nick: On the left side, you've got Anders Lee, Lawson Crouse, Brandon Tanev, and Andrew Agozzino. On the right, Dylan Guenther, Clayton Keller, Joshua Roy, Kailer Yamamoto. That's eight wingers for six spots.
Vanessa: So who's on the outside looking in? I'd say Agozzino and maybe Yamamoto are in trouble.
Nick: I think Yamamoto is a good bet to be sent down. He's been inconsistent, and the Mammoth have younger guys like Daniil But pushing for a spot. But But is still a prospect, so maybe he goes back to juniors.
Vanessa: What about the blue line? That's another area where the Mammoth are deep. You've got Sergachev, Weegar, Marino, Peeke, Schmidt... that's a lot of guys.
Nick: And don't forget Dmitri Simashev and Maveric Lamoureux. Those kids are knocking on the door. But with Marino signing that big extension, he's locked in. So you've got six or seven guys for six spots.
Vanessa: So who sits? Nate Schmidt? He's been a steady presence, but he's older.
Nick: I think Schmidt might be the one who becomes a healthy scratch or gets traded. But he's a veteran, so they might keep him around for leadership. It's a tough call.
Vanessa: And what about the goalies? We've got Vejmelka, Hrabal, Stauber, and a couple of others. Is that a battle?
Nick: Vejmelka is the starter, no doubt. But the backup job is up for grabs between Hrabal and Stauber. Hrabal is the future, but Stauber had a good season in the minors. I think Hrabal gets the backup spot to start, but they'll be watching closely.
Vanessa: That's a good problem to have. But it's still a battle, and we'll see how it shakes out in camp.
Vanessa: Now for the fun part: predictions. Nick, give me your opening night lineup. Who's in, who's out?
Nick: I'm going to say the forwards are: Trocheck, Cooley, Keller, Guenther, Lee, Crouse, Hayton, Schmaltz, Tanev, McBain, Stenlund, and Rooney. That's twelve.
Vanessa: So that means Hebig, Agozzino, Yamamoto, But, and McCartney are out. That's a tough cut for Hebig, who played well last year.
Nick: It's a numbers game. Hebig will get claimed on waivers for sure. But that's the reality of having this much depth.
Vanessa: What about the defense? You've got Sergachev, Weegar, Marino, Peeke, Schmidt, and Simashev. That's six. So Lamoureux and Goldsmith are out?
Nick: I think Lamoureux starts in the AHL to get top-four minutes. He's close, but he needs more seasoning. Simashev is ready, though. He's been impressive.
Vanessa: And in goal, Vejmelka and Hrabal. Stauber goes to the minors. That's the team.
Nick: That's the team I'd run with. But there's a dark horse: Daniil But. If he has a monster camp, he could force his way onto the roster. He's got the size and skill.
Vanessa: But you said he's not on my roster. So who does he bump?
Nick: Maybe Tanev? But Tanev brings the penalty kill. It's a tough call. I'll stick with my list, but I'm keeping an eye on But.
Vanessa: So there you have it, Mammoth fans. The battles are set, and camp is going to be intense. We'll be back tomorrow with more.
Nick: Remember to subscribe, rate, and review the show. Share it with your fellow Mammoth fans. And as always, go Mammoth!
Vanessa: We'll see you next time on the Beatline Podcast Network.