The Utah Mammoth concluded the 2025-26 season with a 43-33-6 record, securing the Western Conference’s first wild card spot before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights in six games during the opening playoff round. The team’s AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, finished with a 34-28-10 record, narrowly missing postseason contention.
As part of our comprehensive review of the season, we’re examining the performance of all 49 players under NHL contract. Presented alphabetically by first name, this installment evaluates Jack McBain’s contributions.
Player Information
Age: 26
2025-26 NHL Stats: 9 goals, 16 assists, 25 points in 75 games
2025-26 Postseason Stats: 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points in 2 games
Acquisition: Traded by the Arizona Coyotes to the Utah Mammoth (along with a 2022 second-round pick) on March 20, 2022
Contract: First season of a five-year, $4.25 million AAV deal; UFA status in 2030
Season Performance Summary
Coming off a career-best 27-point campaign and contentious contract negotiations culminating in a five-year agreement, McBain entered the season seeking offensive improvement. After scoring in the season opener against Nashville, he endured a one-month point drought while maintaining physical presence—evidenced by a home-opening fight against Calgary’s Adam Klapka.
Late-October upper-body injury limited him to 5 minutes against Colorado, though he returned the next game versus St. Louis. Injuries became a recurring theme, as McBain managed only five points through November despite registering goals against Montreal and Dallas. December’s highlight was his first multi-point game (two assists against Anaheim), followed by a game-winning goal versus Detroit.
January proved pivotal with a team-leading nine points, including a three-point performance against Toronto. Notably, he fought Alexey Toropchenko in response to a knee-on-knee hit on teammate Logan Cooley. His physicality continued into February, where he celebrated his 300th NHL game.
March featured his highest monthly output (3 goals in 15 games), including an empty-netter against Los Angeles. A blocked shot in the April opener against Seattle caused a lower-body injury that sidelined him for the regular season’s final weeks. Despite limited availability, he finished second on the team in penalty minutes (84) and fourth in faceoff win percentage (51.3%).
Bainer with the shorty! pic.twitter.com/q3g4jFxCy3
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) March 17, 2026
McBain appeared in the playoffs but appeared hampered by injury, logging just 18 total minutes against Vegas without registering a point. “It’s been tough dealing with certain things,” he acknowledged. “I’m proud of handling adversity and continue learning how to lead off the ice.”
Future Outlook
Questions linger about how a fully healthy McBain might have altered the playoff series against Vegas. His physical two-way game—particularly effective in tight-checking postseason environments—could have provided the extra spark needed against the Golden Knights. “I bring something unique: physical presence combined with 200-foot play,” he noted. “Playoff hockey suits my game really well.”
While maintaining characteristic physicality, his offensive production regressed slightly from 13 goals to 9, falling short of the double-digit target established in his new contract’s inaugural season. “This summer is crucial for improving my skating, puck battles, and finishing,” McBain stated, emphasizing development in shot release and down-low play.
At $4.25 million AAV, his production must align more closely with his salary tier, particularly as prospects threaten to push him down the lineup. His willingness to stand for teammates—evidenced by his response to the Cooley incident—remains valuable for the team’s growing core. With contract security secured, this summer represents a focused opportunity for skill refinement.
Final Assessment
McBain earned a C+ grade for this season. His consistent physicality and two-way reliability were mainstays, but offensive stagnation—especially following last season’s offensive growth—warrants improvement. Prospects arriving in coming seasons will intensify roster competition, necessitating more impactful contributions. The forward’s playoff absence, while injury-related, further highlighted the need for greater offensive consistency.
For the Mammoth to contend deeper into postseasons, McBain must evolve into a 30-point/15-goal contributor while maintaining his unique physical edge. A healthy, enhanced version could provide precisely the playoff toughness the team requires in 2026-27 and beyond.