Mammoth acquire defenseman MacKenzie Weegar from Flames

SALT LAKE CITY — With the NHL trade deadline looming Friday afternoon, the Mammoth got a head start by bolstering its blue line.

Utah has agreed to a deal with the Calgary Flames to acquire defenseman MacKenzie Weegar in exchange for Olli Maatta, Jonathan Castagna and three second round picks, according to Sportsnet's Elliott Friedman.

It took some time for the trade to become, but Weegar chose to waive his no-trade clause, which paved the way for the move to be finalized.

The 32-year-old Weegar has struggled this season on a rebuilding Flames team. Weegar posted just 21 points on three goals and 18 assists in 60 games this season. Weegar totaled 47 points and set a career-high in points (52) and goals (20) during the 2023-24 season.

The move is a long-term deal, with Weegar signing through the 2029-30 season and a $6.25 million cap hit. The move will not only help the Mammoth and its playoff push this season, but also for years to come.

Weegar plays on the right side of the ice but can also play on the left as he now mixes into a defenseman group that features lefties Mikhail Sergachev, Nate Schmidt, and Ian Cole. Righties Sean Durzi and John Marino round out the group.

Maatta has had his role reduced this season after being a scratch for much of the year before a strong showing in the Olympics allowed him to suit up for Utah's previous three games.

Castagna is currently playing in college for Cornell after being selected in the third round of the 2023 draft. He currently has 32 points in 29 games for Cornell this season.

The Mammoth were able to upgrade its defense without having to part with one of its top prospects or give up a first-round pick in return.

It is unclear whether or not Weegar will slide next to Sergachev on the top line or play alongside Schmidt on the second pair of defenseman, but his addition will improve what has already been a strong defense this season.

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