The Utah Mammoth don’t need to overhaul their roster this summer—they need to protect what’s already working.

After a spirited first-ever playoff appearance that ended in six games against the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah finds itself at a critical turning point. The Mammoth briefly controlled the series with a 2–1 lead, a glimpse of what this young, evolving group is capable of. Now, the priority shifts from chasing outside help to retaining the players who helped establish that identity.

Three Key Free Agents Utah Can’t Afford To Lose

Kailer Yamamoto

Yamamoto’s impact grew as the season unfolded, and by the playoffs, he looked like a natural fit in Utah’s top six. After lighting up the AHL, he carried that confidence into the NHL with 23 points in 59 games, then elevated his play even further in the postseason. Skating alongside Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther, he contributed five points in six playoff games and brought energy, pace, and offensive creativity that complemented Utah’s young core. Letting that chemistry walk out the door would be a gamble.

Kevin Stenlund

Stenlund may not headline highlight reels, but his importance is undeniable. He anchored Utah’s penalty kill, led the league in shorthanded ice time, and consistently handled difficult defensive assignments. Even as his offensive numbers dipped, his reliability in key moments—especially in the faceoff circle and on the kill—made him one of the coaching staff’s most trusted options. Players with that kind of defensive discipline are difficult to replace.