Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar makes his Utah Mammoth debut against the Columbus Blue Jackets (Utah Mammoth, Hunter Dyke).
(Utah Mammoth, Hunter Dyke)
SALT LAKE CITY – Just days after the 2026 NHL trade deadline, it’s time for fans to begin familiarizing themselves with the Mammoth’s newest acquisition and learn what to expect from veteran defenseman MacKenzie Weegar.
New threads for Weegar 🧵🪡 pic.twitter.com/MLHRBRKbdh
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) March 7, 2026
Weegar is a 32-year-old defenseman from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Before his days in the National Hockey League, Weegar spent his junior career with the Halifax Mooseheads in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
After being selected by the Florida Panthers 206th overall in 2013 draft, the Ontario native spent several seasons developing in both the ECHL and AHL.
Upon breaking into the league in 2017, Weegar played seven seasons in South Florida before being traded to the Calgary Flames as part of a multi-player deal for Matthew Tkachuk.
During his 10 seasons in the NHL, the seasoned D-man has registered 62 goals and 210 assists in 610 appearances.
In addition to playing on Calgary’s top defensive pairing, Weegar also wore an Alternate Captain ‘A’ on his sweater for the Flames.
Less than 48 hours before last Friday’s trade deadline, the Mammoth acquired the right-handed veteran defenseman from the Calgary Flames for Olli Maatta, prospect Jonathan Castagna and three 2026 second-round picks.
There it is.
Weegar is a Mammoth.
Great value for Utah. Didn’t have to give up too much to get a solid veteran defenseman. https://t.co/yif9b9blhA
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) March 5, 2026
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman first reported the deal late on Wednesday, March 4.
“He’s a top four D. He can play PP, PK, almost any situation,” General Manager Bill Armstrong said.
“He can play a shutdown role. He’s gonna be a big asset for us down the stretch.
After trading for Weegar, Utah’s newest defenseman made his debut in the win over Columbus as he registered 23:21 TOI (team-high), three blocks, two hits and an assist on 31 shifts.
“I’m having a blast,” Weegar said after the win. “That was really fun.”
Reliability, physicality, experience and a complete 200-foot-game as a top four defenseman.
Stenny puts us ahead! 😁
3-2, Utah. pic.twitter.com/wSzAc0GbS9
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) March 8, 2026
As demonstrated during his Mammoth debut, No. 52 boasts a very complete game as he’s capable of locking down the defensive zone while also jumping into the offense.
Whether he’s closing down space, blocking shots, breaking up plays with an active stick, starting breakouts, moving the puck or pinching to get a shot on net, he simply makes the right plays on every shift.
“He played really good,” Head coach Andre Tourigny said of his new defenseman. “I like the way he moved the puck, blocked a few shots, and was strong in his battle.”
“We like him.”
The Utah Mammoth will continue their five-game road trip against the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night at 6:30 p.m. MT.
The game will be available on Mammoth+.
All Mammoth games will also be broadcast live on the KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM).
