Utah will likely play the winner of the Pacific Division in the first round. Mar 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Utah Mammoth right wing Clayton Keller (9) celebrates with defenseman Nate Schmidt (88) after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Mammoth are poised for long-term success

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Hunter Crowther | Last updated Apr 12, 2026 2:00 PM ET

The Utah Mammoth clinched a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs last week, their first since relocating the team from Arizona.

With a 42-31-6 record and 90 points going into Sunday’s slate of games, the Mammoth hold the No. 1 Wildcard spot in the Western Conference, meaning they will likely face the winner of the Pacific Division, which could be any one of the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers and Anaheim Ducks.

On last Friday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Tyler Yaremchuk and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discuss the Mammoth’s success in 2025-26 and if they’re built to be a Western Conference contender for the foreseeable future.

Tyler Yaremchuk: The Mammoth have the “X” next to their name for the first time since relocating to Utah. Based off points and wins, they are the fourth-best team in the Western Conference. It’s just a shame that they might have to go toe-to-toe with the Edmonton Oilers in round one.

Regardless, I think this year, whether the season ends in the second round or the third round or with a first-round exit to the Oilers, it’s been a Utah organization that feel very good about where they’re going. This is a great step forward and this is an organization that I think next season is going to be a team that we look at and go: “Alright, now they’re ready to go on a bit of a run.”

Carter Hutton: I think for me, this is an organization that has a big sigh of relief in making the playoffs. This is them trying to build a culture and community and make Utah hockey a staple there, and I think that’s great as ownership is on board.

But if you’re thinking about Andre Tourigny and Bill Armstrong, this was a must-make playoff season. I feel like there was no expectations higher than what was put on that room. So them getting in is great.

With Dylan Guenther and Logan Cooley and the future of this team, I do think there’s a ton of potential. I just think it’s a tough draw being in the Central Division. For the Utah Mammoth, getting in that first Wildcard gives them a seat at the table.

You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode here…