Olympics Milano Cortina 2026: Gold Medal Game Mens Ice hockey, Eishockey Canada Vs United States Feb 22 February 22, 2026: Vincent Trocheck 16 of the United States celebrates after winning the Gold medal in the Mens Ice Hockey Gold Medal game between Canada and USA held at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, Olympische Spiele, Olympia, OS in Milan, Italy. MilanoCortina2026 Daniel Lea Credit Image: Â Daniel Lea/Cal Media Milan Italy EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20260222_zma_c04_106.jpg DanielxLeax csmphotothree475253
Olympics Milano Cortina 2026: Gold Medal Game Mens Ice hockey, Eishockey Canada Vs United States Feb 22 February 22, 2026: Vincent Trocheck 16 of the United States celebrates after winning the Gold medal in the Mens Ice Hockey Gold Medal game between Canada and USA held at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, Olympische Spiele, Olympia, OS in Milan, Italy. MilanoCortina2026 Daniel Lea Credit Image: Â Daniel Lea/Cal Media Milan Italy EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20260222_zma_c04_106.jpg DanielxLeax csmphotothree475253
The Utah Mammoth may have entered the NHL scene much later, but the blockbuster Vincent Trocheck trade highlighted that they are already gaining contender status.
This free agency saw the former New York Rangers center waive his no-trade clause to join the Mammoth, which sent defenseman Sean Durzi, forward prospect Cole Beaudoin, and a 2027 third-round draft pick to the Rangers. The Mammoth’s GM Bill Armstrong saw this as a positive sign.
“Our ownership group has done an incredible job at building a franchise or an organization with incredible facilities,” the GM said, per a YouTube clip shared by NHL writer Sam Len. “I think the word is spread to the National Hockey League on how good it is to play in Utah.”
UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 06: New York Islanders Left Wing Anders Lee 27 warms up prior to the National Hockey League game between the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Islanders on March 6, 2021, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA MAR 06 Sabres at Islanders Icon210306075
UNIONDALE, NY - MARCH 06: New York Islanders Left Wing Anders Lee 27 warms up prior to the National Hockey League game between the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Islanders on March 6, 2021, at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, NY. Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA MAR 06 Sabres at Islanders Icon210306075
Under Smith Entertainment Group’s ownership, backed by Armstrong and coach André Tourigny, the Mammoths wrapped their 2025-26 season with a 43-33-6 record, finishing 4th in the NHL Central Division.
And this has attracted not just Trocheck, but also the New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee. He signed a 3-year, $16.2M contract with the Mammoth. The GM’s speech reflected how the ownership played a role in it.
“I don't think we'd have the ability to recruit Anders Lee without the support of the ownership,” he added to the same segment. “They've allowed us to play at the top of the NHL as far as recruiting… I think we got one of the top free agents today. And one of the best trade pieces in the NHL today.”
Moreover, if Armstrong’s point wasn’t clear enough, Trocheck's reasons backed up these claims.
Vincent Trocheck on Selecting Utah Mammoths
The former Rangers center was vocal about not moving away from the East Coast due to family reasons. But he waived his no-trade clause and moved to the Central for Utah. The desire to win drove him to the Mammoths.
“It was just going to a team that I think can win was the most important thing for me,” Trocheck said, per The Hockey News writer Remy Mastey. “Been in the league a long time. And I haven’t won anything, you know, so that’s what’s most important to me.”
“Obviously a lot of potential and been taking a lot of strides the last few years,” he added. “Very good, young team. And I think for me, one of the biggest things is just going to a team that has a chance to win.”
Both the GM and Trocheck’s remarks made one thing clear: the Mammoths are on their upward trajectory and ready to cause some trouble to the other established contenders.
Would you agree? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy