Who is MacKenzie Weegar? Utah Mammoth acquire Calgary Flames defenseman in blockbuster five-piece trade
Global Desk March 05, 2026 02:00 PM
Synopsis

The Utah Mammoth has secured MacKenzie Weegar, a top defenseman, from the Calgary Flames. This significant trade bolsters the Mammoth's defense as they aim for their first playoff appearance. Weegar brings strong defensive skills, physical play, and leadership. He previously represented Canada internationally and has a notable NHL career with the Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames.

At 32, MacKenzie Weegar, playing in his 10th NHL season, continues to be a workhorse on the blue line.
Who is MacKenzie Weegar? The Utah Mammoth have made a major statement by acquiring the Calgary Flames defenseman in a blockbuster five-piece trade. Weegar is widely regarded as one of the NHL’s most reliable two-way blue-liners, known for his strong defensive instincts, physical play, and ability to contribute offensively. A cornerstone of the Calgary Flames blue line, he logs heavy minutes against top opponents and brings valuable leadership. His arrival immediately strengthens the Utah Mammoth defense as the franchise aims for their first playoff appearance since relocating to Salt Lake City in 2024.

The Utah Mammoth announced on Wednesday that they have acquired defenseman Weegar from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Olli Määttä, forward Jonathan Castagna, and three 2026 second-round draft picks - Utah’s own selection, one acquired via Ottawa, and another obtained via the New York Rangers. Despite holding a no-trade clause, Weegar reportedly agreed to waive it in order to finalize the deal.


"MacKenzie is a high-end defenseman with the type of leadership and work ethic that we want in a top-four blueliner," said Utah Mammoth's general manager Bill Armstrong in a statement. "Acquiring MacKenzie solidifies our back end as we continue to push towards the playoffs, and he will be a great addition to our team on and off the ice."

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Weegar has also made his mark on the international stage, representing Canada at the IIHF World Championship in 2023 and 2025. In his tournament debut, he played a key leadership role as an alternate captain, helping Canada capture the gold medal while earning Best Defenseman honors after posting 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 10 games.

Weegar’s NHL journey began when he was selected by the Florida Panthers in the seventh round (206th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft, a pick that has since developed into one of the league’s most reliable two-way defensemen.

At 32, Weegar, playing in his 10th NHL season, continues to be a workhorse on the blue line. During the 2025-26 season, he produced 21 points (3 goals, 18 assists) and logged 69 penalty minutes across 60 games with the Calgary Flames, averaging a heavy 23:07 of ice time per night. His physical edge stands out league-wide, ranking ninth in hits (130) and second in blocked shots (143) among NHL defensemen.

Since joining Calgary in 2022-23, Weegar has appeared in 304 games, recording 151 points and 196 PIM, while serving as an alternate captain in each of the last three seasons. His leadership was recognized in 2024-25 when he earned the Peter Maher "Good Guy" Award.

Across a decade-long NHL career with Calgary and the Florida Panthers, the 6-foot, 206-pound defender has totaled 272 points and 455 PIM in 610 games, adding valuable playoff experience and elite shot-blocking and hitting numbers rarely matched by blueliners.
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