Veteran forward Vincent Trocheck was traded from the New York Rangers to the Utah Mammoth earlier this month, but just a short while ago, such a trade would not have been possible. According to various media reports, including from Cole Bagley of KSL Sports, Utah was formerly part of Trocheck’s no-trade list, meaning he had the contractual right to block any deal that would send him there.
By the time of this deal, though, Utah was no longer a trade destination Trocheck was protected against. In explaining why he was happy to arrive with the Mammoth during his debut media availability with the club, Trocheck pointed to how owners Ryan and Ashley Smith treat players and invest in club infrastructure, as well as optimism that the Mammoth are close to legitimate Stanley Cup contention.
Other notes from around the hockey world:
The AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins signed winger Nolan Moyle to a one-year, two-way AHL contract. The signing marks Moyle’s return to the Griffins organization. He began the 2025-26 season with the club, playing for its ECHL affiliate, the Toledo Walleye. He bounced between Grand Rapids and Toledo until January 2026, when he left to sign in Austria with EC-KAC. The former Michigan Wolverines captain began his pro career in 2023-24 with the KHL’s Kunlun Red Star, and will look to build on his 2025-26 season, which saw him dress for 16 AHL games.
Defenseman Jayden Kurtz, who was drafted No. 45 overall by the Anaheim Ducks at last month’s 2026 NHL Entry Draft, has confirmed he will spend the 2026-27 season playing in the USHL with the Chicago Steel. The Wisconsin Badgers commit played in 16 games for the Steel last season but spent most of the campaign with Rogers High in his home state of Minnesota. A 6’3″, 194-pound blueliner, Kurtz was ranked in the third or fourth round by most public-facing scouting outlets, while the Ducks were notably higher on his potential. The Athletic’s Corey Pronman wrote Kurtz “has a legit chance to play games” in the NHL thanks to his athletic tools.