Insider Says 3 Big Changes Coming For Utah Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth are in the perfect spot to take a step forward and into the playoffs. They have a talented young team with much more talent coming. If the group can stay relatively healthy, they have a serious chance, even with how tough the Western Conference is compared to the East.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported that among some of the changes that will be happening in Utah, looking to move the fourth overall pick, shopping Matias Maccelli, and allowing Nick Bjugstad to become a free agent are the big ones. This doesn't include what the Mammoth hopes to get back in a potential deal or what the team could grab in free agency to bolster their lineup.

Utah has a number of good young players and prospects, so the fourth overall pick would fetch them a solid player to give them help immediately. Maccelli was really good for the Mammoth in his rookie season and sophomore season, putting up 49 points in 64 games followed by 57 points in 82 games. He dropped to just 18 points in 55 games this season and that is all the signs needed that he requires a change in scenery.

It won't be too tough to move Maccelli as the 24-year-old has one year left and a $3.425 million AAV cap hit. His quickness and playmaking ability are strong points in his game and a trade should happen within a few weeks if I were to make a prediction.

It makes a lot of sense for the Mammoth to finally move off of veteran Bjugstad. He has provided good seasons for the team, but doesn't play the same role he once did with Logan Cooley and Barrett Hayton as the top-6 centers now. Bjugstad is 32 years old and has been around in his career. He went from playing 17:27 per game last season to 12:19 this season, so he is definitely a bottom-6 player now. There are plenty of teams that could look to bring him in on a 1-2 year deal. He's a big, right-shot center that plays a physical game. He could be useful, especially in the playoffs. Keep an eye on Utah as they won't be quiet this offseason.