The Utah Mammoth moved up in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft on Friday. By trading with the Los Angeles Kings, the team selected winger Ethan Belchetz with the No. 17 overall pick.
The Mammoth originally held the 19th selection but moved up two spots to secure one of the highest-rated forwards available in the draft.
Belchetz was projected by several draft analysts as a potential top-10 pick before sliding into the middle of the first round. His selection was considered one of the night's biggest value picks.
The 6-foot-5, 226-pound left winger played the 2025-26 season with the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League. He is recognized for his goal-scoring ability, physical play, and size. Belchetz has committed to playing for the Michigan State Spartans men's ice hockey program.
To complete the trade with Los Angeles and ensure they could select Belchetz before other teams, Utah gave up the No. 19 overall pick along with an additional asset.
Belchetz served as the first selection for the Utah Mammoth in the 2026 NHL Draft. The move is part of the organization's ongoing efforts to add young talent to its prospect pipeline.
