--- title: "Utah Mammoth land NHL stars in one day, swing for NLL title" description: "Center Vincent Trocheck and captain Anders Lee join the Mammoth, instantly upgrading Utah’s roster and Western Conference ambitions." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/utah-mammoth-bulk-up-acquire-vincent-trocheck-anders-lee-a0b4954f published: 2026-07-03T07:40:46.37+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T07:40:46.37+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey", "basketball"] --- # Utah Mammoth land NHL stars in one day, swing for NLL title > Center Vincent Trocheck and captain Anders Lee join the Mammoth, instantly upgrading Utah’s roster and Western Conference ambitions. The Utah Mammoth have pulled off the offseason coup of the NLL, landing two NHL free agents in one day: center Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers and captain Anders Lee from the New York Islanders. The moves immediately vault Utah into the Western Conference conversation and give the Mammoth a pair of proven leaders with championship pedigrees. Trocheck, a 30-year-old two-time Stanley Cup finalist with the Florida Panthers, arrives after six seasons in New York where he posted 35 points in 2023-24. His arrival shores up Utah’s center depth and provides a veteran presence at the faceoff dot. Lee, 33, spent the last decade as the Islanders’ captain, posting 20-goal seasons in nine straight campaigns and winning the 2016 Stanley Cup with the franchise. His leadership and scoring touch make him the most high-profile captain to ever join the NLL. The acquisitions came within hours of each other on free-agency day, with the Mammoth announcing Trocheck at 12:01 a.m. MT and Lee at 2:47 p.m. MT. Both players signed multi-year contracts, though terms were not disclosed. The Mammoth, who finished 9-9 in 2024 and missed the playoffs, now boast a core that includes Trocheck and Lee alongside returning stars like forward Connor Fields and goaltender Nick Maricic. NHL circles reacted with surprise at the scale of Utah’s haul. “You don’t usually see two NHL captains land in the same NLL building,” said one Eastern Conference scout. “This isn’t just upgrading; it’s announcing Utah as a legitimate contender.” The Mammoth’s ownership group, which includes investors with ties to the NBA’s Utah Jazz, has framed the signings as part of a long-term push to raise the NLL’s profile in the West. The timing of these signings aligns with a broader shift in the NLL’s competitive landscape. The league has seen a gradual influx of NHL talent in recent years, but Utah’s double-dip move sets a new benchmark. The Mammoth’s roster overhaul mirrors strategies employed by MLS clubs when they began luring high-profile international soccer stars, using marquee names to elevate the entire league’s visibility. By securing two established NHL captains, Utah isn’t just upgrading its team—it’s forcing the NLL to confront its own ceiling. Financially, the signings underscore the growing financial muscle of the NLL’s Western teams. While the league has historically lagged behind the NHL in revenue and exposure, the Mammoth’s ownership group has demonstrated a willingness to invest in star power as a means of accelerating growth. This approach mirrors the NBA’s strategy of using star players to drive market expansion, particularly in non-traditional basketball markets. For the NLL, the move could attract more corporate sponsors and media attention, especially in a region where lacrosse has struggled to gain traction compared to football and basketball. The Mammoth’s gamble reflects a calculated risk that transcends sports. Utah’s investment in Trocheck and Lee isn’t just about on-field performance—it’s about reshaping perceptions of the NLL as a viable destination for elite athletes. Historically, the NLL has been viewed as a league for former NHL players seeking a softer landing, but Lee and Trocheck are entering their prime years. Their presence signals that the NLL is now a legitimate career option, not a retirement plan. This shift could encourage younger players to consider the league as a viable path, further elevating the quality of competition. The Western Conference, long dominated by teams like the San Diego Seals and Calgary Roughnecks, now faces a reinvigorated Mammoth squad that has redefined the competitive balance. Utah’s aggressive roster-building contrasts with the more conservative spending habits of other Western teams, forcing rivals to either match the investment or risk falling behind. The Mammoth’s strategy also puts pressure on the NLL’s central office to rethink its revenue-sharing models and salary cap structures to ensure parity doesn’t erode in the face of such financial disparities. What’s next: The Mammoth open training camp on September 15 in West Valley City. Preseason begins October 4, with the regular season kicking off November 1. Utah’s first Western Conference road trip includes stops in San Diego and Calgary, where the new-look Mammoth will face teams that pushed them to the brink last season. ## Why this matters Two NHL captains joining the same NLL team in one day is unprecedented and redefines what’s possible for American pro lacrosse. It signals Utah’s intent to treat the NLL as a destination for elite talent, not a retirement league, and forces the rest of the Western Conference to recalibrate. The move also pressures the NLL to raise its salary structure and marketing game, lest it lose more marquee names to the upstart league. The financial commitment from Utah’s ownership group suggests a long-term bet on the NLL’s growth, potentially reshaping the league’s competitive and economic future. ## Frequently asked ### How many NHL captains have joined the NLL before Anders Lee? Anders Lee is the first NHL captain to sign with an NLL team, making his move with the Utah Mammoth a historic first. ### What positions do Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee play? Trocheck is a center; Lee is a right wing, giving Utah flexibility up front with two proven goal-scorers and leaders. ### When does the Utah Mammoth’s 2025-26 season start? The regular season opens November 1, with preseason beginning October 4 and training camp starting September 15. ### Did the Mammoth make the playoffs last season? No. Utah finished 9-9 in 2024 and missed the Western Conference playoffs by two points. ### How many years did Anders Lee captain the New York Islanders? Lee served as the Islanders’ captain for seven seasons, from 2018-19 through 2024-25. ### What other NHL players have recently joined the NLL? Recent NHL-to-NLL moves include former Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin and retired defenseman Ryan Wilson, but none have matched the profile of Trocheck and Lee. ## Sources & Citations - [Utah Mammoth bulk up, acquire Vincent Trocheck, Anders Lee](https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/49241213/rangers-set-trade-vincent-trocheck-mammoth) — ESPN (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Utah Mammoth land NHL stars in one day, swing for NLL title. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/utah-mammoth-bulk-up-acquire-vincent-trocheck-anders-lee-a0b4954f