Max Psenicka poses after being drafted by the Utah Mammoth with the 46th overall pick during rounds 2-7 of the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft at Peacock Theater on June 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – One year after being selected with the 46th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, 19-year-old defenseman Max Pšenička has officially signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Utah Mammoth.
The Utah Mammoth have signed defenseman Max Pšenička to a three-year entry-level contract.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 23, 2026
Despite just a 30 percent chance to eventually crack an NHL roster as a former second-round pick, Max Pšenička has been a man on a mission since hearing his name called in the 2025 NHL Draft.
After registering a career-best 30 points (8 goals, 22 assists) in his second season with Portland Winterhawks of the WHL, the young defenseman ended the year by making his professional debut with Tucson Roadrunners.
In just two games in the AHL, Pšenička registered his very first professional point with an assist to Owen Allard against the San Diego Gulls on April 15.
Owen Allard GOAL pic.twitter.com/MLPnmGtqH5
— Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) April 16, 2026
From there, Pšenička then concluded his first full year in Utah’s pipeline with an excellent showing during development camp as arguably the most improved player in the pool.
In addition to scoring the only goal of the development scrimmage shootout, Pšenička was heavily involved offensively as he consistently pinched at the right times, moved the puck well, attacked the net on occasion and generated some dangerous scoring chances.
“Last year, I was talking about getting more offensive, so I think that got better a lot,” Pšenička said. “I would say I had more points and helped the team way more. That was my focus for last season. I think I got better, probably in everything. The speed, strength, even in the mind.”
Psenicka scores the only goal of the shootout to win it for Team Black.
What a celly 😂 pic.twitter.com/8A8Vs4yeAd
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 2, 2026
For his efforts this season, Pšenička was then rewarded with an entry-level contract.
After signing his ELC, Pšenička can now either return to the Winterhawks or take the next step in his development by joining Tucson full time.
While training camp will determine whether or not he’s ready, Pšenička is laser focused on playing pro this season.
“The main focus is to play in Tucson right away, so that’s my focus right now, Pšenička said. “I want to play there this season. I want to show the coaches that I have all it takes to play there, so I’m trying my best. If it doesn’t work, I’ll go back to Portland, but we’ll see how it goes.”
Anticipating that he continues to build on his performance from last season and adds the necessary weight required, the young defenseman will have a really good chance to play in Tucson.
“The coaches want me to put on weight,” Pšenička explained. “I have to drink protein shakes, eat more. Even when you don’t want to, you just got to put something in.”
Now, is it possible that he could eventually crack an NHL roster?
That remains to be seen.
However, considering what he’s accomplished over the last year, he’s certainly doing everything in his power to be one of the rare second-round picks who make it to the league.
