January 31, 2026; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Mackenzie Wigger (52) plays against the San Jose Sharks during the first period at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Image The Utah Mammoth acquired MacKenzie Weegar from the Calgary Flames for fellow defenseman Olli Maatta, forward prospect Jonathan Castagna and three second-round picks in the 2026 NHL Draft.
The second-round picks came directly from the New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and Mammoth.
Weegar, 32, had to waive his no-trade clause to facilitate the deal.
He has 21 points (3 goals, 18 assists) in 60 games this season and is averaging 23 minutes and 7 seconds of ice time. He also had a league-worst minus-35 rating.
“This is a great deal as we add another great D man to our already strong defensive core,” Utah general manager Bill Armstrong said. “He brings a wealth of experience. I think what we like about him is his ability to move the puck. He’s a gamer. A guy who shows up every night and plays a physical brand of hockey. He’s not the biggest D man in the world, but he’s got a great brain. When a D man like him can move the puck back, it creates offense for the forwards. They can move the puck and attack and it’s another team because we’re a pretty fast team now. The defenseman is going to have an impact on our lineup.”
Weegar, entering the third season of an eight-year, $50 million contract, has 272 points (62 goals, 210 assists) in 610 career games with the Florida Panthers (2016-22) and Flames.
Mata, 31, has one assist in 22 games this season.
Mata, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with Pittsburgh, has totaled 196 points (42 goals, 154 assists) in 783 career games with the Penguins (2013-19), Chicago Blackhawks (2019-20), Los Angeles Kings (2022-24), Detroit Red Wings (2024-25) and Mammoth.
Castagna, 20, was selected by the then-Arizona Coyotes in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft. This season, he has appeared in 29 games for Cornell, scoring 32 points (14 goals, 18 assists).
–Field level media
