Six NHL breakout candidates for 2025-26 could reshape fantasy rosters: Connor Bedard should push toward an 85–90 point pace with expanded minutes and rising shooting efficiency in Chicago. Quinton Byfield is poised to anchor the Kings’ top six, taking on tougher minutes and PP time en route to a 30-goal, 45-assist season. Matty Beniers enters classic two-way breakout territory, while Zach Benson could double his production with better linemates in Buffalo. Cole Perfetti and Logan Stankoven also carry clear routes to 70-plus point seasons with more ice time and power-play exposure. Dylan Guenther and Matthew Knies serve as reminders that big roles are often the gateway to fantasy relevance, even if their teams are rebuilding.

Utah Mammoth battle Vegas to OT in a lively preseason tilt, with Dylan Guenther delivering a two-goal performance and showing he can mix sniping with gritty, net-front finishes. Barrett Hayton handled the 3C role with poise, while Dmitri Simashev looked like a true top-pairing asset at just 20, logging heavy minutes and contributing two points.

Vegas countered with Eichel, Marner and Barbashev, and Shea Theodore buried the winner in overtime. Utah head coach Andre Tourigny will pressure the roster in practice over the five-day break before the Sept. 30 trip to Boise to face the Los Angeles Kings.

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.