Utah Mammoth’s Summer Moves: Peterka Trade and Ambitious Roster Building

The newly‑rebranded Utah Mammoth are making waves ahead of their second NHL season. This summer, the team clinched its most significant move yet—acquiring J.J. Peterka in a blockbuster trade—and re-signed key contributors, signaling their intention to compete now and build for the future.

Dream Trade for J.J. Peterka: A Perfect Match for the Mammoth

In a late‑night deal on June 25, 2025, the Utah Mammoth acquired 23-year-old German winger J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring of the Sabres. Peterka, entering his fourth NHL season, just wrapped a breakout year in Buffalo with 27 goals and 68 points across 77 games.

Immediately after the trade, Utah secured Peterka on a five-year contract extension worth $38.5 million total (≈ $7.7M AAV), locking in a high-upside scorer to complement its young core. GM Bill Armstrong hailed Peterka as a “creative and skilled forward” who strengthens Utah’s offensive foundation.

Peterka echoed the enthusiasm: “When you look at the roster… it’s going to be a perfect fit”. He also praised the electric atmosphere at the Delta Center, noting fans are “right up against the ice” and he’s excited to make Salt Lake City his new home.

More Moves to Follow at the Draft?

This major acquisition appears to be only the beginning. According to The Hockey Writers, Utah is eyeing additional moves at the 2025 NHL Draft, possibly involving a high draft pick or addressing depth needs like goaltending. With ample salary cap freedom and a vision focused on long-term success, future trades or signings seem likely.

Fans have confidence in Armstrong’s strategy—he’s known for making roster moves that balance immediate impact with future planning.

Re-Signing a Key Piece: Jack McBain

Shortly after the Peterka trade, the Mammoth re-signed center Jack McBain to a five-year deal worth $21.25 million—an AAV of $4.25 million. McBain, 25, posted his career-best season, tallying 13 goals and 27 points across 82 games. GM Armstrong emphasized McBain’s importance as part of the team’s competitive core and its championship ambitions.

McBain’s consistency and continuity bring essential depth down the middle, creating synergy with Peterka’s finishing skills and the youthful energy of forwards like Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Clayton Keller.

Why These Moves Matter: A New Contender Emerges

• Peterka’s scoring upside and all-around speed gives Utah a legitimate top-six forward.
• McBain’s re-signing solidifies center depth and character in the locker room.
• Expansion-team mindset: Under GM Bill Armstrong, the franchise is building with youth, affordability, and draft-friendly roster balance.
• Growing momentum: With a modern arena, passionate fans, and young talent, Utah now has a foundation for playoff contention in the Western Conference.

Peterka’s arrival is part of an aggressive offseason strategy—one that’s already turning heads in the NHL and signaling Utah’s intent to compete sooner rather than later.

Takeaways & Looking Ahead

1. Blockbuster Peterka trade positions Utah for growth and scoring punch.
2. McBain contract extension retains a reliable and improving forward core.
3. Draft and free agency may bring further reinforcements in goal or depth.
4. Youth movement: With multiple rising stars, the Mammoth are aligning their timeline with long-term success.

With just under two months until the season begins, Utah’s second NHL campaign is shaping up to be defined by purpose, speed, and bold roster-building. From all signs, the Utah Mammoth are poised to make their mark in the NHL as a team not just of the future – but of right now.