The Utah Mammoth have hired two-time Stanley Cup champion Adam Foote as an assistant coach and signed head coach André Tourigny to a multi-year contract extension, according to Deseret News reporting on June 22, 2026. The coaching moves come as the organization looks to build upon a season that included a first-round playoff appearance against the Vegas Golden Knights.
New Coaching Additions
Adam Foote, 54, joins the Mammoth coaching staff to focus on defensive development, a role he previously held while working with the Vancouver Canucks. Foote, a former premier shutdown defenseman, brings 19 seasons of playing experience to Utah, including two Stanley Cup titles with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. He also earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Foote arrives in Utah following the 2025-26 season, during which he served as the head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. While his tenure as a head coach in Vancouver lasted only one season, his experience as an assistant coach proved highly effective; he helped develop defenseman Quinn Hughes, who won the 2024 Norris Trophy after scoring 92 points in 82 games. The Mammoth intend for Foote to apply similar developmental strategies to Mikhail Sergachev.
In addition to his defensive focus, Foote is expected to assist with the team's penalty kill. During his time as an assistant in Vancouver, the Canucks' penalty kill improved to third in the league. This is a critical addition for the Mammoth, who finished 19th in the league in penalty killing efficiency during the 2025-26 season.
Tourigny Secures Extension
The extension for head coach André Tourigny ensures continuity for the Mammoth's leadership. Tourigny, who is the fourth-longest-tenured head coach in the NHL, has established a reputation for player development, having helped notable players like Clayton Keller, Nick Schmaltz, and Dylan Guenther reach high offensive levels in Arizona.
Tourigny has achieved unique success in the NHL, joining Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice as the only coaches to improve their win totals in each of their first five seasons. His coaching tenure includes a Stanley Cup playoff debut last season, where the Mammoth fell in the first round to the Vegas Golden Knights.
In a press release, Tourigny expressed his commitment to the region, stating, "I am grateful to the organization and feel fortunate to work alongside such an exceptional coaching staff and dedicated group of players. My family and I love being in Utah and look forward to deepening our roots here."
Roster and Draft Adjustments
The coaching changes occur amidst significant roster movements and organizational transitions. On June 26, 2026, the Mammoth traded right winger JJ Peterka to the Boston Bruins in exchange for two first-round draft picks: the No. 23 pick and a 2028 first-rounder from the Florida Panthers. The Bruins retain an option to send their own 2029 first-round pick if the Florida pick falls within the top 10.
Peterka, a 24-year-old winger, had a productive 2023-24 season with 68 points but saw his production dip to 47 points during his lone year with the Mammoth. Despite the trade, Mammoth General Manager Bill Armstrong praised the player, stating, "I would like to thank JJ for his commitment to our organization. JJ is a great person and will be a dynamic player for Boston."
Recent Performance Trends
The Mammoth's recent seasons have been marked by both high-stakes competition and tactical struggles. During the 2025-26 playoffs, the team struggled with man-advantage efficiency, going 1 for 16 on the power play during their series against the Vegas Golden Knights. This inefficiency contributed to their postseason exit.
Earlier in the 2026 postseason, the team faced challenges in the regular season standings. On April 12, 2026, the Mammoth suffered a 4-1 loss to the Calgary Flames, a game that highlights the team's struggles with perimeter play. Following that loss, André Tourigny noted, "I thought we were perimeter in east-west play. At this time of year, it’s a good opportunity for us to learn that that doesn’t work against a team who’s committed."
Broadcast and Future Outlook
Looking toward the 2026-27 season, the Mammoth will have increased national visibility. The NHL and its broadcast partners, ESPN and TNT, announced that the team will appear in seven nationally televised games. These matchups include a season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 1 and a Winter Classic game against the Colorado Avalanche on Dec. 31.
While 11 Mammoth games were restricted to national platforms during the 2025-26 season, the upcoming schedule allows fans to watch most games on SEG+. The team's focus remains on integrating new coaching perspectives and developing a young core to compete in the Western Conference.
