Vanessa: Is it too much to ask for a clear number one goalie when you’ve got five of them on the roster? Or maybe it’s just what happens when you drop Anders Lee and Vincent Trocheck into the same building as Dylan Guenther and Clayton Keller. If you think the Mammoth are ready to roll out the red carpet in October, you might want to grab some popcorn first.
Nick: It is definitely not too much to ask. But with John Marino locked in long-term and Barrett Hayton staying put, the Mammoth have built a foundation that looks terrifyingly deep. The question isn't if they can score; it's who gets the ice time.
Vanessa: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, home of America’s number one daily sports podcast. I’m Vanessa, and this is the Utah Mammoth show. Nick, how are we doing today?
Nick: I’m good, Vanessa. Still processing the sheer volume of talent we’re looking at for the 2026-27 campaign. It’s a lot of names to keep straight.
Vanessa: It is a lot. Today is our mailbag episode, so we’re answering your questions about the new core, the center depth chart, and yes, that goaltending situation that has everyone talking. We’ll also look ahead to the season opener against Chicago on October 2nd. Let’s get into it.
Vanessa: First up, we have a question from Sarah in Salt Lake City. She asks: 'With the additions of Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee, how does the top line actually look? Is it Trocheck-Keller-Guenther?'
Nick: That’s the obvious setup, but let’s be careful. Trocheck is a two-way center who excels in the neutral zone. Putting him next to Keller creates a dynamic duo, but pairing him with Guenther requires Guenther to play a specific style. Remember my prediction from last week? I said Guenther would break out with around 40 goals. That happens when he has consistent support.
Vanessa: And Lee? He’s coming off an Islanders tenure where he was captain. How does he fit if he’s not on that top line?
Nick: Lee is a power forward. He thrives in front of the net. If you put him on a line with someone like Brandon Tanev or Lawson Crouse, you create a nightmare for opposing penalty kills. The Mammoth aren’t just stacking skill; they’re stacking versatility. That’s why they’re currently fourth in the Central Division heading into training camp—because they’re physically imposing.
Vanessa: Sarah follows up: 'What about Barrett Hayton? The Devils tried to steal him, but he matched the offer sheet. Does that mean he’s starting center?'
Nick: Hayton signed for $4.775 million. That’s a reasonable price for a restricted free agent who can play both sides of the puck. He’s not going to start every game over Logan Cooley or Jack McBain, but he gives you elite depth. You can slide him onto the second line with Keller and Guenther, or keep him with Trocheck. It’s flexibility we didn’t have last year.
Vanessa: Next question is from @MammothFan88 in Provo. They want to know about the defense. John Marino just signed an eight-year, $54 million extension. Is he the undisputed #1 now?
Nick: Eight years is a long commitment. It tells you the front office believes he’s the anchor. With MacKenzie Weegar and Mikhail Sergachev also on the blueline, the Mammoth have serious size and skating ability. Marino’s stay-at-home game pairs well with Sergachev’s offensive push. It’s a balanced pair that should kill penalties effectively.
Vanessa: But what about Nate Schmidt? He’s still here. Where does he fit in this crowded room?
Nick: Schmidt is a veteran presence. He might not start every game, but his experience in the defensive zone is invaluable. If the Mammoth want to make a deep playoff run, they need guys who know how to manage space. Schmidt provides that stability.
Vanessa: Let’s move on. Marcus in Denver asks: 'The preseason predictions were wild. Vanessa predicted 108 points, Nick predicted 105. Who’s right?'
Nick: I stand by 105. It’s a realistic number for a team that’s fourth in the Central. They’re good, but they’re not perfect yet.
Vanessa: And I’ll stick with 108 because of the Trocheck and Lee factor. New energy often leads to early-season surges. Plus, we predicted they’d beat Chicago 4-2 in the opener. If they win that, the momentum carries.
Nick: We’ll see. Chicago is tough on the road, but playing at home in Utah... that’s a different beast. The crowd will be loud.
Vanessa: Stick with us after this break, we’re diving into the goaltending chaos. Who starts Game 1?
Vanessa: Welcome back. We have a massive question from Emily in Ogden. She writes: 'There are five goalies on the roster. Karel Vejmelka, Jaxson Stauber, Michael Hrabal, Anson Thornton, and Colten McIntyre. How do you even decide who starts?'
Nick: It’s a problem of abundance. Usually, teams have one starter and a backup. Here, we have competition. Vejmelka is the most experienced. Stauber is reliable. Hrabal is young and athletic. This isn’t just about who’s best; it’s about who fits the system.
Vanessa: Does the coaching staff rotate them in preseason to find out?
Nick: Absolutely. Preseason is for evaluation. But by October 2nd, against Chicago, they’ll likely name a starter. I suspect it’ll be Vejmelka simply because of his track record. But don’t be surprised if Stauber steals the job if he plays well in camp.
Vanessa: What happens to the others? Do they get sent down to the minors?
Nick: Thornton and McIntyre might be healthy scratches or sent to the AHL affiliate. Having three goalies ready is smart insurance, but you can’t carry four in the regular season. One has to go.
Vanessa: Next question is from @HockeyDad33 in Park City. He asks about the left wing depth. We have Anders Lee, Brandon Tanev, Lawson Crouse, Andrew Agozzino, and others. Is there enough talent to fill all four lines?
Nick: Yes. And that’s the scary part for the rest of the league. Lee brings the physicality. Tanev brings the defensive responsibility. Crouse brings size. Agozzino brings speed. You can match up against any checking line in the NHL.
Vanessa: What about Dylan Guenther? He’s listed as a right wing, but does he ever play left?
Nick: Guenther is primarily a right winger, but he can flip side. His speed makes him dangerous anywhere. My prediction of 40 goals hinges on him staying healthy and getting quality minutes. With this depth, he shouldn’t have to carry the load alone.
Vanessa: Clayton Keller is also on the right. So Guenther and Keller are competing for ice time on the same side?
Nick: They’re both elite scorers. They’ll likely share the top six. Keller is the playmaker; Guenther is the finisher. Together, they’re lethal. Separately, they’re still very good.
Vanessa: One more from Jessica in Sandy. She asks: 'How does the Mammoth compare to Colorado or Dallas in the Central?'
Nick: Colorado is always a threat. Dallas is physical. But the Mammoth have closed the gap. With Marino’s extension and the new forwards, they’re no longer a sleeper team. They’re a contender.
Vanessa: We’ll talk more after this. Don’t go anywhere.
Vanessa: We’re back for the final segment. Let’s do a fun hypothetical. If the Mammoth could only keep three players from the offseason acquisitions—Trocheck, Lee, Marino—who stays?
Nick: Marino, obviously. Eight years is a long time. Then Trocheck for his two-way play. And Lee for the leadership.
Vanessa: I agree. They form the core. But what about Hayton? He was saved from the Devils.
Nick: Hayton is important, but if I had to choose three, it’s Marino, Trocheck, and Lee. They define the identity.
Vanessa: Lightning round! First player to score 40 goals?
Nick: Guenther. No doubt.
Vanessa: Second place in the Central?
Nick: Third. I told you. 105 points.
Vanessa: Best power play unit?
Nick: Keller, Guenther, Trocheck, Marino, Sergachev.
Vanessa: Final question from Chris in Layton. 'Will the Mammoth make the playoffs?'
Nick: Yes. Absolutely. They’re built for it.
Vanessa: That’s the spirit. Let’s wrap up. We talked about the new core, the goaltending competition, and the depth charts. What a time to be a Mammoth fan.
Vanessa: Before we go, if you enjoyed today’s breakdown of the Mammoth’s roster, please consider supporting the show. If this episode helped you feel more prepared for the season, that’s the nudge to chip in. Head to the link in the episode description to help keep us free and daily. Thanks for listening!
Nick: Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Share this with a fellow Mammoth fan.
Vanessa: See you tomorrow for more hockey analysis. Go Mammoth!