The Utah Mammoth are on the verge of making a significant trade aimed at strengthening their defense, eyeing Calgary Flames blueliner MacKenzie Weegar as a new addition. This move would mark a major step for the Mammoth, who have not been to the playoffs since their days as the Arizona Coyotes during the 2020 bubble.
Reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman indicate that the Mammoth are nearing an agreement for Weegar, contingent on him waiving his no-trade clause. The deal appears to be awaiting Weegar’s approval before it can officially go through.
Currently in his fourth season with the Flames, Weegar has tallied 21 points over 60 games, recording three goals and 18 assists. His average ice time is about 23:07 per game. However, he is grappling with a challenging season, reflected in his league-worst plus-minus rating of -35. The Calgary Flames themselves have struggled, sitting with only 55 points, the fourth-lowest in the NHL.
Weegar’s contract is noteworthy; he signed an eight-year extension worth $50 million prior to the 2022-23 season, binding him to Calgary until the end of the 2030-31 campaign with an annual cap hit of $6.25 million.
As the Mammoth approach the final stretch of their season with 21 games left, they are currently holding the top Wild Card spot in the Western Conference with 68 points, just ahead of the Seattle Kraken. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that securing one of the Central Division’s playoff slots is unlikely, given the Minnesota Wild’s 82 points in third place.
If Weegar decides to join Utah, his experience and leadership could prove essential in bolstering the Mammoth’s defensive lineup, especially as they aim for a playoff berth. With 20 games of postseason experience and a +1 rating during that time, he could potentially elevate Utah’s already solid defensive record; the team has allowed the fourth-fewest goals in the league this season, with only 169 scored against them.
This trade could provide a powerful boost for the Mammoth as they seek to reestablish themselves as playoff contenders.