Same Same, But Different, But Still Same

Utah Mammoth 2026-27

With all major free agents signed, the 2026 DCHL Free Agent Frenzy has concluded. For the Utah Mammoth, this off-season revolved around three high-value targets entering the market: Colton Parayko, Adam Lowry, and William Karlsson.

Knowing from the start that retaining all three would be possible, Utah management made securing Parayko their top priority, leaving Lowry and Karlsson to contend for the remaining spot.

Parayko, acquired on June 20, 2023, for prospect Brendan Brisson, is coming off a standout 50-point season off the blue line. A key contributor on both special teams units, played alongside top-pair partner Evan Bouchard, Parayko expressed a strong desire to stay with the winning franchise. He finalized a 3-year deal with an AAV of $9.52 million, aligning his contract expiration with long-time Captain Aleksander Barkov.

With Parayko secured, Utah turned its focus to fan favorite Adam Lowry. A pillar of the franchise for seven years since his acquisition on December 9, 2019, along with a 2020 4th-round pick for Jesper Fast and a 2021 2nd-round pick, Lowry has provided anchor-solid penalty killing and bottom-six depth at center. He agreed to a 6-year extension at $4.32 million AAV—a deal that likely ensures he will finish his career in Utah.

The odd man out proved to be William Karlsson. Since arriving on July 19, 2022, in exchange for Christian Dvorak, Raphael Lavoie, and a 2023 3rd-round pick, Karlsson locked down the second-line center spot and played heavy minutes on both special teams. He departs for divisional rival St. Louis Blues on a 2-year deal carrying a $7.8 million AAV.

While the core lineup remains largely intact, Utah faces a massive hurdle heading into the new season. Captain and star player Aleksander Barkov suffered a torn ACL and MCL while skating this summer and is expected to miss the entire season. In his absence, Anthony Cirelli is slotted to take over top-line center duties, with Matty Beniers moving up to solidify the second line. Utah has yet to announce who will wear the 'C' while Barkov recovers.