This evening the Utah Mammoth shared that veteran Kevin Rooney has been recalled, while defenseman Maveric Lamoureux is headed to AHL Tucson. Today’s transaction is an exact reversal of one which was made on December 3, involving both players.
Rooney, 32, has been back-and-forth between Utah and Tucson several times already this season. When in the AHL, the center is a top player, as he has six goals in 11 games. He also managed to find the back of the net during his Mammoth debut in late November. With a career high of 14 points, set with the Rangers in 2020-21, he is not the most exciting call up. Yet any player capable of filling in seamlessly without disrupting developing pieces, and not being a waiver claim threat, is valuable.
With star Logan Cooley set to miss eight weeks, and the team dropping seven of their last 10, eyes may be on GM Bill Armstrong to make a move. Just one point out of the Wild Card, the franchise’s first-ever playoff appearance could be in danger of slipping out of reach; and they certainly have stock in the cupboard to acquire another star. In the meantime, Rooney is an extra forward on the exciting young team, not expected to play, barring additional injuries.
Lamoureux, a first rounder in 2022, does not jump off the page statistically, but standing at 6’6”, he offers strong shutdown play even at just 21, and is a coveted right-handed shot. With such imposing size, the Quebec native could pan out as a reliable second-pair blueliner, but has a high floor regardless.
As is the case most times a top prospect is sent down in favor of an older depth piece, Lamoureux’s role with Utah is a point of emphasis. He played 12:46 last night, with nine fewer shifts than anyone else on the back end. The defenseman will be a welcome addition back to Tucson for the time being, as the team currently ranks toward the bottom in the AHL. Lamoureux has nine points in 19 games for the Roadrunners, and could be back sometime soon, as he seems to be the undisputed top defensive call up option for Utah, much like Rooney for the forward group.