The Utah Mammoth bolstered their playoff push Tuesday, acquiring defenseman Chris Weegar from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Nikita Maatta, prospect Cole Castagna, and draft picks. The move signals a clear intent by the Mammoth organization to capitalize on their current momentum and contend for a Stanley Cup, adding a veteran presence to a team already exceeding expectations.
Weegar, 30, brings a wealth of experience and a physical edge to the Mammoth blue line. In 610 regular-season games with the Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames, he’s amassed 272 points (62 goals, 210 assists) and has appeared in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff games, recording five points. The Flames, currently 12 points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, are pivoting towards a rebuild, acquiring assets to bolster their future.
Mammoth General Manager Bill Armstrong expressed his excitement about adding Weegar, emphasizing his fit within the team’s evolving culture. “He’s got a contract that allows him to come back and be a part of it,” Armstrong said. “He wants to win. There’s a lot of guys on our team… Nick Schmaltz, Clayton Keller, Sean Durzi, Mikhail Sergachev, they all have something to prove. He’s going to fit in well with that group and now take that next step.”
A Vote of Confidence in Utah’s Trajectory
The acquisition of Weegar represents a significant shift for the Mammoth, a franchise that recently relocated to Utah after decades as the Arizona Coyotes. Before the relocation in 2024, the team had only made one playoff appearance in the previous 12 seasons, and hadn’t won a playoff series since 2011-12. Last season, in their inaugural Utah campaign, they finished just seven points out of a wild card spot. This year, the Mammoth (32-25-4) currently hold the first wild card position in the West, a testament to the team’s progress and the organization’s commitment to building a competitive roster.
Captain Clayton Keller echoed Armstrong’s sentiment, highlighting the boost Weegar will provide both on and off the ice. “It’s super exciting,” Keller said. “He’s a hell of a player, someone that I’m a fan of. I feel he’s really going to help us all over the ice. Has compete, and the way he can move the puck. Super pumped about it. We were all super happy.” Keller too emphasized the significance of the trade as a signal of ownership’s dedication to winning. “It’s great to see. And you know, it means a lot. We want to win, and ownership wants to win. Everyone wants to win.”
Flames Focus on the Future
For the Calgary Flames, the trade represents a strategic move towards rebuilding. While currently struggling to contend for a playoff berth (24-29-7), the Flames received valuable assets in return for Weegar. Nikita Maatta, a veteran defenseman with a Stanley Cup pedigree, provides immediate depth, and the draft picks offer flexibility for future transactions. Calgary coach Ryan Huska acknowledged the value of the additions, particularly Zach Whitecloud, who was acquired earlier in January. “We saw that with how valuable Zach’s been,” Huska said, “but there’s also other things that are at play, like those picks.”
Maatta, 31, has one assist in 22 games with the Mammoth this season. He’s a seasoned NHL veteran with 783 career games played for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, and Detroit Red Wings, totaling 196 points (42 goals, 154 assists). He is in the first season of a three-year, $10.5 million contract ($3.5 million AAV) signed with Utah on March 3, 2025.
Prospect Castagna Adds to Flames’ Pipeline
The Flames also acquired Cole Castagna, a promising young prospect currently playing at Cornell University. The 20-year-old has been impressive this season, registering 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists) in 29 games. Castagna was originally a third-round pick (No. 70) by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Armstrong indicated that there may be a slight delay in Weegar’s arrival in Utah due to visa processing, estimating a timeframe of 4-10 days. However, he emphasized Weegar’s character and work ethic, qualities that align with the team’s core values. “He’s got a great work ethic,” Armstrong said. “His teammates spoke very highly of him…leads by example. He’s got a little bit of fight in him too, which we like.”
What’s Next for the Mammoth?
The Mammoth will continue their pursuit of a playoff berth, with Weegar expected to provide a significant upgrade to their defensive corps upon his arrival. The team’s next scheduled game is March 7th against the Vancouver Canucks. Fans can find the latest updates and game schedules on the official NHL website.
The acquisition of Weegar is a clear indication that the Utah Mammoth are serious about competing now, and are willing to invest in players who can help them achieve their goals. The team’s success this season has earned the trust of ownership and management, and the addition of a veteran like Weegar is a testament to their belief in the team’s potential.
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