Unsigned Mason McTavish could be Utah Mammoth’s answer at No. 2 center, a move that shifts the entire center depth chart and could elevate the team’s power play. McTavish’s size, finishing, and playmaking fit Utah’s core age window, and his arrival would push Barrett Hayton to the 3C while freeing Jack McBain to slot as a net-front winger. Utah’s setup would anchor around McTavish with Cooley and Guenther on his wings, boosting both 5-on-5 and PP1 chemistry.

The piece weighs two routes to acquire him: a trade from Anaheim or an offer sheet, though Utah’s front office has shown some restraint on the latter. In either case, McTavish would bring immediate contributing upside—high shooting efficiency, strong rebound control, and a knack for net-front pressure that Utah lacks on its top units. His presence also ties into Utah’s familiar faces, including Cooley, Guenther, and Peterka, creating a high-ceiling, young core that fantasy managers should monitor closely as the summer unfolds.

From a fantasy lens, McTavish could push for 2C minutes and frequent PP1 exposure, while also giving Utah more lineup flexibility. If he lands in Utah, expect a more dynamic lineup with McBain and Hayton splitting center duties when needed, and McTavish driving a sharper, more powerful offensive regime that could elevate the Mammoth’s overall scoring pace for the season.

Jersey numbers hold personal significance for many players on the Utah Hockey Club, as seen in their individual stories. Olli Määttä, who favors lower digits, wears number 2, traditionally associated with defensemen. John Marino follows suit with number 6 for the same reason. Michael Kesselring, inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, takes number 7, previously unavailable due to its honor in Arizona. Clayton Keller, influenced by his childhood, sticks with number 9 after moving to Utah. Dylan Guenther chose number 11 for its aesthetic value, while Alexander Kerfoot transitioned from 14 to 15 due to number allocations in the NHL.

Jack McBain, unable to wear his preferred 11, opted for 22 as a playful double. Barrett Hayton carries on his father’s legacy with number 27, but switched to 29 when it was retired. Ian Cole, who doubled his number from 14 to 28, and Liam O’Brien, assigned number 38, illustrate the randomness in number assignments. The blend of personal stories and team traditions makes each jersey a symbolic representation of the players' journeys.

The Utah Hockey Club continues to show resilience, sweeping the Calgary Flames with a decisive 3-1 victory, adding to their season series wins against the Flames and Vancouver Canucks. Despite playoff odds looking bleak, the team remains determined to make the most of every game, focusing on their performance rather than their competitors.

Barrett Hayton emphasized the team's mindset, stating, "Each and every night's a war for us." The hockey community was thrilled by Dylan Guenther's rapid return to the ice after a shocking facial injury, mirroring teammate Clayton Keller's earlier season bravery. Guenther's setup of Keller for an empty-net goal underscored his determination and contribution. Meanwhile, Dustin Wolf, the Flames' standout rookie goalie, has been pivotal in keeping Calgary in playoff contention.

The jersey number saga of Dylan Guenther and Jack McBain reflects the competitive nature of NHL roster dynamics. Upon joining the Arizona Coyotes, McBain aimed to claim his lifelong number 11, but was met with resistance as the club had reserved it for Guenther, their 2021 ninth overall pick who had aspirations to make an immediate impact. In a humorous twist, McBain settled on number 22, although Guenther teased that it 'wouldn't be my next choice.' Their friendship and light-hearted banter underscore the camaraderie often found among teammates navigating the pressures of professional hockey.

Interestingly, Guenther’s connection to number 11 is rooted in childhood nostalgia, inspired by a previous teammate's choice. McBain's situation is further likened to that of Mikko Rantanen, who had to negotiate with Jack Roslovic for number 96, highlighting the traditions and expected gifts associated with jersey number exchanges in the league. Yet, in this case, Guenther humorously declared that he wouldn't be gifting McBain a Rolex for not taking his number. Their playful exchanges not only entertain fans but also reveal the unique dynamics that come with being young professionals in the NHL.

The Utah Hockey Club faced a significant setback in their playoff chase after succumbing to a 5-1 defeat against the Detroit Red Wings at the Delta Center. Dylan Guenther opened the scoring for Utah, netting his 26th goal of the season, marking his 100th career point. However, the Red Wings retaliated with five consecutive goals, including a standout performance from Alex DeBrincat, who contributed a goal and an assist. Despite Utah's strong defensive efforts, they struggled offensively, failing to convert opportunities into goals. Their loss leaves them six points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final wildcard spot in the Western Conference, putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy.