The Utah Mammoth secured their first preseason victory with a 6-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena, a performance headlined by a multi-point night from forward Daniil But. The victory marks a significant milestone for the team as they navigate a shortened training camp ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season.
Physical Preseason Intensity
The matchup between the Mammoth and the Kings was characterized by high intensity and significant physicality. The teams combined for 54 penalty minutes, including two formal fights and a third incident that did not escalate to fighting majors. Mammoth head coach André Tourigny noted that rookie Andrew Peeke, making his preseason debut, played a physical game that helped get under the opposition's skin.
But Leads Mammoth Charge
Daniil But emerged as the central figure in the victory. The 6-foot-5 winger, selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, opened the scoring on a power play with a deflection past goaltender Darcy Kuemper. But also contributed an assist on a goal by Anders Lee during the second period. While But struggled to make a consistent impact at the NHL level last season, his performance on Tuesday suggested a shift in momentum.
Roster Implications for But
The surge in performance from But comes at a critical juncture for the player. His current contract includes a European assignment clause that General Manager Bill Armstrong noted could kick in approximately halfway through the 2026-27 season. If the Mammoth choose not to maintain him on the NHL roster, But has the option to return to his KHL team in Yaroslavl, Russia, rather than reporting to the AHL.
New Training Camp Format
The Mammoth's training camp structure has undergone significant changes this year due to a new collective bargaining agreement. The camp is now only 13 days long, featuring three initial practices before moving into a four-game preseason schedule. Coach Tourigny explained that the coaching staff has implemented a new load management plan to prevent players from entering the regular season exhausted, a risk he identified during previous, longer training camps.
High Stakes Competition
General Manager Bill Armstrong emphasized that the shortened timeline requires immediate focus. With most veterans expected to play in only two of the four preseason games, Armstrong stated that teams must be effective and well-run from the start to find success. The organization enters the season with 55 players, including 32 forwards, 18 defensemen, and five goaltenders, all competing for roster spots in what the team describes as its most competitive environment to date.
Eyes on the Postseason
The team's focus on performance and depth follows a successful 2025-26 campaign that included the franchise's first Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance. Looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, the Mammoth are aiming for another postseason berth. Bill Armstrong warned that despite the team's growth and recent playoff experience, the competition in their division remains intense and will require a strong start from day one.
Injury Concerns Arise
During the physical contest on Tuesday, defenseman Maveric Lamoureux sustained a hit that left him clutching his right arm while heading to the bench. While the Mammoth have not officially released details regarding the extent of the injury to the 22-year-old, the incident added to the physical toll of the game.
