Josh Doan's 2024-25 season with the Utah Mammoth can be described as a year of transition and growth, ultimately ending with a significant trade to the Buffalo Sabres. The son of longtime NHL legend Shane Doan, Josh was drafted 37th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2021 and had brief stint with the Coyotes before the team relocated and became the Utah Mammoth.
Doan's 2024-25 stats show a respectable performance for a young player finding his way in the NHL. In 51 games with Utah, he recorded 7 goals and 12 assists for a total of 19 points. While these numbers might not jump off the page, they represent a solid contribution from a player who was often utilized in a third-line role, averaging around 13:31 of ice time per game. His plus/minus rating is not available. Doan also recorded 8 penalty minutes during the season.
Beyond the basic stats, Doan's underlying numbers provide a more nuanced picture. He demonstrated strong possession metrics, with a CorsiFor percentage of 58.1% and a relative CorsiFor percentage of 5.3%. Furthermore, his DFF% was 59.40 with a REL DFF% of 5.90. These statistics suggest that when Doan was on the ice, the Mammoth controlled a significant share of shot attempts, indicating his positive impact on puck possession and offensive zone time. His 1.5 P/60 5v5 as a rookie in Utah was respectable.
Before his time with Utah, Doan showcased his offensive capabilities in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners. In the 2023-24 season, he led the Roadrunners in goals (26) and points (46) before being called up to the Coyotes. This AHL success demonstrated his scoring touch and playmaking ability, qualities that the Mammoth hoped he would bring to their NHL roster.
However, Doan's tenure with the Mammoth was relatively short-lived. On June 25, 2025, he was traded to the Buffalo Sabres along with Michael Kesselring in exchange for JJ Peterka. This trade marked a significant move for both teams. Peterka is a highly skilled, creative, young forward with extremely high upside. He tallied 27 goals and 41 assists for 68 points in 77 games with Buffalo in 2024-25, finishing tied for second on the team in scoring. The Mammoth viewed Peterka as a key addition to their core of young forwards, while the Sabres aimed to bolster their roster with Doan's potential and Kesselring's defensive capabilities.
The trade represents a new chapter for Josh Doan in Buffalo. While he showed promise in Utah, he now has the opportunity to further develop his game with the Sabres. As a player whose father is an icon, Doan carries high expectations. Doan's strengths lie in his two-way play and hockey sense. While he may not project as a top-line scorer, he has the potential to become a valuable middle-six forward who can contribute offensively and defensively. His work ethic and determination, instilled by his father, will undoubtedly serve him well as he embarks on this new phase of his career.
