Scott Wedgewood's Strong Season Earns Canada Olympic Consideration | Utah Mammoth Updates

Avalanche goaltender Scott Wedgewood added to Canada’s Olympic consideration list amid strong season; Utah Mammoth face mixed results and team updates

In a season of emerging standout performances and challenging team dynamics, Scott Wedgewood has gained late consideration for the Canadian Olympic team thanks to a strong season with the Avalanche. Meanwhile, the Utah Mammoth have experienced tight games, roster shifts, and emotional moments, including captain Clayton Keller playing shortly after a family tragedy.

• Scott Wedgewood has been added to Canada’s list for potential Olympic participation following a breakout NHL season with the Avalanche, compiling a 13-1-2 record in 17 games.
• Laurent Brossoit is progressing well in recovery from hip surgery and is expected to rejoin action soon with the Blackhawks’ affiliate Rockford IceHogs.
• The Utah Mammoth aim to bolster their roster amid a mixed win-loss record and salary cap flexibility, eyeing potential roster moves.
• The Vancouver Canucks could see goaltender Kevin Lankinen return from a leave of absence, with Thatcher Demko and Nils Hoglander also nearing comebacks.
• The Utah Mammoth suffered a 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars and then to the Montreal Canadiens but are preparing for a demanding six-game road trip.
• Mammoth captain Clayton Keller was named first star in a game played the day after his father’s unexpected death, earning praise for his leadership and resilience.

Scott Wedgewood’s breakout season boosts Olympic prospects

Scott Wedgewood, the 33-year-old goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche, has been added to Canada’s list for potential Olympic participation, as reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger. Wedgewood stepped into the starting role after Mackenzie Blackwood’s injury at the beginning of the NHL season and has maintained his position with impressive stats: a 13-1-2 record, a 2.09 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage in 17 appearances. Despite limited international experience—only one World Juniors appearance in 2011—his recent performance makes his late inclusion plausible, particularly given uncertainties in Canada’s goaltending depth.

Laurent Brossoit nearing return for the Blackhawks

Laurent Brossoit’s time with the Chicago Blackhawks has been hampered by injuries since signing a two-year deal in 2024, leaving him sidelined from game play. The goaltender shared with the Chicago Sun-Times’ Ben Pope that he is ahead of schedule in recovering from hip surgery. Brossoit is likely approaching a conditioning stint with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs and, once cleared, can spend up to two weeks in the minors before needing to be added to Chicago’s NHL roster or exposed to waivers.

Utah Mammoth look to strengthen roster amid challenges

The trade market remains fluid early in the NHL season, but the Utah Mammoth are reportedly planning to be active buyers to strengthen their lineup. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman noted in his “32 Thoughts” column that Utah, currently in a Wild Card playoff position despite recent struggles in win-loss results, is operating with a salary cap projection over $5 million under the limit according to PuckPedia. This financial flexibility, coupled with a strong prospect pool, positions the Mammoth well for midseason acquisitions.

Vancouver Canucks’ injury updates provide optimism

The Vancouver Canucks could soon see a boost with Kevin Lankinen expected to rejoin the team during their current road trip after a short leave taken for personal reasons. Additionally, goaltender Thatcher Demko and forward Nils Hoglander are anticipated to skate with the team in Los Angeles, suggesting they are nearing returns. The Canucks have been significantly impacted by injuries during the early figures of the season, so these absences ending could bolster the team’s performance.

Recent Mammoth game recaps and schedule outlook

Narrow loss to Dallas Stars marked by strong individual efforts

On November 28, the Utah Mammoth fell 4-3 in a tightly contested match against the Dallas Stars. Wyatt Johnston scored shortly after the start of a rare two-minute, five-on-three power play, securing the win for Dallas. The Stars have been on a strong run, winning three straight games with a 9-1-1 record over their last 11 outings. Key moments included Roope Hintz scoring in his fourth consecutive game, Jamie Benn and Jason Robertson contributing timely goals, and Jake Oettinger’s 27 saves securing his 11th win.

For Utah, goals came from Logan Cooley, Kevin Rooney—called up from the AHL just the day before—and Jack McBain. Vitek Vanecek remained solid in net despite the loss. Notably, Mammoth captain Clayton Keller played in the game just one day after the unexpected death of his father. In a testament to his leadership and resilience, Keller was named the game’s first star, praised by both his coach and opposing team’s staff.

Tough defeat against Montreal Canadiens

The Mammoth’s subsequent home game at Delta Center on November 26 ended in a narrow 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. Both teams entered the game with identical point totals (27 points), underscoring the competitive nature of the matchup. Utah was led offensively by Nick Schmaltz, Logan Cooley, and Clayton Keller, while Montreal featured standout performances from Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

The game featured strong defensive efforts from Utah’s Sean Durzi, disciplined goaltending by Karel Vejmelka, and dynamic offensive pressure from Montreal’s fast, physical playstyle. Utah’s offensive surge included an effective power play goal by Carcone, which temporarily put them ahead. However, Montreal capitalized on subsequent power plays late in the game to force a tie and eventually clinch the comeback victory. Utah’s challenging road trip begins in Dallas, setting a rigorous schedule with six games in nine days.

Clayton Keller’s leadership shines amid personal hardship

In one of the more poignant moments of the season, Utah Mammoth captain Clayton Keller showed remarkable dedication and strength by playing against the Dallas Stars the day following the sudden passing of his father. His contribution and emotional fortitude earned him the game’s first star honors. Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny emphasized Keller’s leadership and passion as an inspiration for the team, calling him “the kind of guy who wants to be better every night.” His teammates and even the Dallas coach expressed admiration and sympathy, reflecting the deep respect Keller commands across the league.

Having spent all 10 NHL seasons of his career with the Arizona-Utah franchise, Keller’s role as captain since the team’s move to Salt Lake City cements his status as a cornerstone player. He has recorded 30 goals in each of the last three seasons, with a career-high last season of 60 assists and 90 points overall. Entering the recent games, Keller ranked second on the team with 21 points.

This season continues to highlight both the competitive and personal stories shaping NHL teams. Scott Wedgewood’s emergence as a reliable NHL starter makes a strong case for Olympic consideration, while the Utah Mammoth balance the pursuit of victory with resilience in the face of adversity. Monitoring roster developments and upcoming schedules will be key as these teams navigate the intense middle portion of the campaign.