The Utah Mammoth announced Thursday that its 2026-27 National Hockey League schedule will feature 84 games, the first regular season of that length in more than 30 years. The announcement comes as the Salt Lake City franchise continues to expand its presence following a successful 2025-26 campaign.
Expanding NHL Presence
The expanded schedule marks a significant shift in the NHL landscape, providing fans with more frequent matchups as the franchise enters its third year of existence. The Mammoth, which established itself as a professional presence in Utah in 2024, is currently navigating an active offseason focused on roster construction and community outreach.
According to KMYU reports, the team has been working through various milestones since its inception. The momentum for the franchise follows a recent trip to the playoffs during the 2025-26 season, a period of success that has helped foster a growing fan base in the Salt Lake Valley.
Youth Engagement and Development
The team's growth is being mirrored by efforts to connect with the local hockey community. In mid-June 2026, Mammoth forward Michael Carcone hosted his annual Carcone Cup youth hockey camp. During a session captured by KMYU's Jenna Fink, Carcone discussed the importance of giving back to the community and expressed optimism regarding the future trajectory of the Mammoth.
The development camp efforts are part of a broader seasonal cycle for the organization. Earlier in the 2026 offseason, dozens of top Mammoth prospects participated in a Development Camp, which concluded with a scrimmage. That event featured standout performances from players such as 2024 sixth overall pick Tij Iginla, who earned game MVP honors after recording a hat trick.
Brand and Roster Expansion
Beyond on-ice performance, the franchise is also expanding its brand through new merchandise and local partnerships. Smith Entertainment Group recently unveiled new specialty license plates for both the Utah Jazz and the Utah Mammoth, a move intended to further integrate the professional teams into the Utah automotive and enthusiast culture.
This branding push coincides with significant roster movement within the organization's orbit. While the Mammoth focus on their 84-game schedule, other local sports entities are seeing major shifts, such as the Utah Jazz's recent acquisition of former Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes to a two-year, $12 million deal.
A Period of Growth
The 84-game schedule release is part of a larger period of activity for Utah professional sports. The Mammoth's recent success in the 2025-26 season has provided a foundation for the upcoming year, even as the team navigates offseason moves and player evaluations.
As noted by sports analyst Adrian Denny, the franchise has been consistently hitting milestones since becoming a formal entity in 202 and continues to see its fan base expand. This period of growth is characterized by both high-profile player arrivals and deep-rooted community initiatives like the Carcone Cup.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026-27 season approaches, the Utah Mammoth will balance the increased demands of an 84-game schedule with the ongoing mission to grow the sport in the region. With a completed schedule and a history of successful community engagement, the franchise enters the new season with heightened expectations.
