The Utah Mammoth made two significant moves in one day Wednesday, acquiring center Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers in a trade and then signing New York Islanders captain Anders Lee in free agency, according to ESPN.
Utah is coming off a Western Conference playoff appearance last season and appears to be pushing to build on that run. Adding two experienced players in a single day signals the organization's intent to compete more seriously next season.
Trocheck, 32, is a veteran center who has played for Carolina and the Rangers during his NHL career. He brings experience at both ends of the ice and has been a reliable contributor on face-offs and penalty kill units throughout his career.
Lee, 36, has been the Islanders captain and is one of the more recognizable faces in the league. He is a physical forward known for playing in front of the net and producing in the regular season. Signing him as a free agent rather than through a trade gives Utah more roster flexibility.
The Mammoth are building their identity as a franchise after relocating to Utah. Landing two players with established profiles in the same window suggests the front office is moving quickly.
