3 Forwards The Utah Mammoth Should Target

Robertson Can Demand $12-$13 Million

Jason Robertson has tallied 198 goals and 259 assists in 428 NHL games. That averages 1.07 points per game. He will more than likely want a large pay increase from his present $7.75 million contract. Dallas could be forced to allow him to sign with another team.

The four teams mentioned above could afford the kind of contract that Robertson will demand. So, let’s examine the impact of adding Jason Robertson to the Utah Mammoth lineup. Utah can cover Robertson’s proposed salary.

Jason Robertson Could Be The Missing Piece For Utah

Robertson is still young at 26 and fits well into the young, hungry Utah Mammoth club. Having an offensive star like him can certainly help the Mammoth for years to come. Adding Robertson to the left wing, along with Clayton Keller and J.J. Peterka, can convert the Utah club into an offensive powerhouse.

As it stands now, the Mammoth rank 15th in goals for with an average of 3.17 goals per game. They are in great standing defensively in sixth place with a 2.80 goals allowed per game. Infusing Robertson in the Utah power play can only make it much improved. He has 55 goals and 87 helpers with the man advantage. The team could use an improvement from its present 15.0 percent success rate on the power play. They are ranked 25th in that category currently.

Pettersson Elevates The Mammoth To A New Level

Granted, he has a huge contract worth $11.6 through the 2029-30 season, but he is an elite player who can elevate any team’s success. As mentioned in our recent article on Pettersson being traded, if the Vancouver Canucks retain some salary (25 percent), a deal could happen.

It may be a gamble with Pettersson since he has been a bit erratic with his performance at times. It could be that a change of scenery may help him get back to the offensive prowess he once had.

Panarin Will Have Multiple Suitors

He is the ultimate scorer who is not slowing down. The problem is the competition for him to sign an extension. It is what his camp wants, in the $50 million range, broken down (in contract term) by the prospective team he chooses.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, he breaks down the possibilities the multiple teams have in acquiring Panarin. Friedman made it clear that the Panarin camp wants an extension included in any deal. That could eliminate quite a few teams.

For instance, the Stars may want to keep Robertson, but can’t offer an extension for a possible Panarin signing.

The San Jose Sharks covet Panarin as well, but have this awesome star in the making in Macklin Celebrini. He is headed towards Connor McDavid territory with 27 goals and 52 assists in 52 games. Celebrini can demand and receive whatever he wishes, and that may not leave much for a Panarin signing.

Then, the Seattle Kraken may want to offer Shane Wright for Panarin, plus other assets, but will need to sweeten the pot. They need a scorer like Panarin, but it’s unlikely to happen.

That Leaves The Mammoth

Of course, it has been stated that general manager Bill Armstrong wishes to add young players to his roster. That could change if a player of Panarin’s elite level has interest in moving to beautiful Utah. Think of the possibilities. Adding Panarin to their left side with the likes of Keller and Peterka can really change the dynamics of opposing teams attempting to stop their scoring potential.

Utah will do something, since they have the cap space and want to advance their standing… especially to make the postseason. While they reside in a playoff position presently, there are 4-5 teams hot on their tail.

End Of My Utah Mammoth Rant

The Mammoth are ready to move to the next level of teams as possible contenders. They must be successful in qualifying for the playoffs as a first step in that goal. Adding players like Robertson, Pettersson, or Panarin is a step in the right direction.

Now all we need to do is see how things develop. It is more likely that Panarin will be dealt first since he is being held out of action until after the Olympic break to protect him from injuries. So, if the Mammoth lose out on the Panarin sweepstakes, they still have a shot at Pettersson or Robertson.