Lamoureux targets roster spot with Utah Mammoth after significant weight gain

Utah Mammoth defenseman Maveric Lamoureux has increased his weight to 224.6 pounds, up from the 196 pounds previously listed in his NHL.com profile. The 22-year-old achieved this gain through a structured diet programme consisting of four meals and three snacks per day, totalling nearly 5,000 calories. The initiative was designed to help him fill out his 6-foot-6 frame and enhance his physical presence on the ice.

Lamoureux is currently competing for an open roster spot alongside 21-year-old Dmitri Simashev. The competition for defensive positions has intensified following the offseason departures of Sean Durzi and Ian Cole. While the team signed Andrew Peeke to address one vacancy, the remaining spot is viewed as a critical opportunity for a young player to secure a permanent place in the NHL.

Head coach André Tourigny, who has led the team to increased point totals every season since taking over in 2021, confirmed that Lamoureux is actively in the competition. Tourigny described the defenseman as a shutdown player who is heading in the right direction regarding his physicality and defensive reads. The coach emphasised that while physicality is important in the modern NHL, Lamoureux must also demonstrate the ability to make the correct defensive decisions.

Lamoureux has identified St. Louis Blues defenseman Colton Parayko as a role model for his desired playing style. He aims to utilise his size and strength to win battles, block shots, and keep the puck in the correct areas, rather than focusing on offensive contributions. The defenseman stated that his primary objective is to be hard to play against and efficient in closing down opposing players.

The roster competition is further complicated by the team’s recent success, which has made it increasingly difficult for young players to break into the lineup. Lamoureux acknowledged the challenge of joining a highly competitive squad but viewed it as a positive environment for his development. He noted that the presence of established players provides a high standard against which he can measure his own performance.

As the 2026-27 season approaches, Lamoureux’s physical transformation represents a key factor in his bid for a roster spot. His ability to translate this increased strength into consistent defensive performance will be the determining factor in whether he secures a permanent position with the Mammoth.