Clayton Keller poised to lead Utah Mammoth into first full season with new identity

Rodney Knuppel

Clayton Keller poised to lead Utah Mammoth into first full season with new identity image

Christopher Hanewinckel

Utah Mammoth’s first full season has arrived with new identity, and with it comes a new era of NHL hockey in Salt Lake City, one led by star forward Clayton Keller. The team unveiled its complete 2025–26 regular season schedule, with the campaign set to open October 9 on the road in Colorado before Utah makes its highly anticipated home debut October 15 against the Calgary Flames at Delta Center.

This season represents more than just a name change. It is the beginning of the Mammoth era, a chance for Utah to carve its own place in the NHL landscape. At the center of it all stands Keller, a proven All-Star whose skill, leadership, and consistency have quickly made him the face of hockey in Utah.

A fresh start for a growing franchise

Following a successful debut season that captured the attention of fans across the state, the Mammoth are officially stepping into their identity as Utah’s team. The franchise enters the 2025–26 campaign with momentum, renewed energy, and a fan base that has already filled the Delta Center with playoff-level passion.

The schedule is packed with highlights, including four matchups against the Central Division rival Colorado Avalanche, a budding regional showdown that is already bringing a competitive edge to the Mountain West. Utah’s home opener versus Calgary on October 15 will mark the start of a four-game homestand that also includes visits from San Jose, Boston, and Colorado.

Keller takes center stage

Clayton Keller is expected to be the centerpiece of the Mammoth’s offense again this season. Coming off another strong campaign, the veteran winger continues to elevate his game, balancing scoring prowess with leadership for a young and energetic roster.

Keller’s presence has been transformative both on and off the ice. His commitment to the Utah market has helped solidify the team’s new identity, while his creativity and patience with the puck make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the Western Conference.

Building rivalries, building roots

The Mammoth’s 82-game schedule features big matchups that will test the team early and often. Beyond their divisional showdowns, Utah will host all six Original Six teams at Delta Center, including visits from the Boston Bruins (Oct. 19), Detroit Red Wings (Feb. 4), and Toronto Maple Leafs (Jan. 13).

A seven-game homestand in January and a playoff-potential closing stretch in April will provide Keller and company with prime opportunities to make noise in the Western Conference standings. The season wraps up at home April 16 against St. Louis, with what could be the biggest crowd in Utah hockey history expected.

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A Team, a City, a New Legacy

As the Mammoth enter their first full season under their permanent name and colors, the feeling in Utah is one of pride and anticipation. Hockey has found a home here, and with stars like Clayton Keller leading the way, the foundation for something special is already in place.

The 2025–26 season will not only define the Utah Mammoth but also the next generation of hockey in the West. From the electric energy of the Delta Center to the emerging rivalries taking shape, this is the moment Utah hockey becomes something bigger than anyone imagined.

For Keller, it is a chance to lay his legacy as the leader of a franchise and a fan base that is still writing its story.

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Rodney Knuppel

Rodney Knuppel is a freelance writer for The Sporting News. When not watching, listening or writing about sports, Rodney enjoys following the travels of his three kids, who are all active in their own sports and activities. A huge St. Louis Cardinals fan, Rodney also enjoys St. Louis Blues hockey and is a big Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.