Utah Mammoth Match Devils’ Offer Sheet for Barrett Hayton
Mammoth Secure One‑Year Deal for Center
The Utah Mammoth have matched the New Jersey Devils’ offer sheet for 26‑year‑old center Barrett Hayton. Hayton signed on free agency day, two days after the Mammoth filed for team‑elected arbitration. The contract is worth $4.775 million, with a $3.925 million signing bonus—the maximum allowed for this type of deal. The one‑year term means Hayton will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent next summer. Matching the offer sheet also prevents Utah from trading him for a full year, effectively ending recent trade speculation.
Impact on Utah’s Center Depth
With the addition of Hayton, the Mammoth now boast a crowded group of centers. The top line will likely feature Nick Schmaltz centering Logan Cooley, while Vincent Trocheck could anchor the third line and Kevin Stenlund the fourth. Both Hayton and Jack McBain may be shifted to wings, and the emergence of Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers adds even more middle‑ice options. General Manager Bill Armstrong believes having two face‑off winners per line is essential, given how often NHL officials eject players from the circle. Utah finished the previous season 23rd in NHL face‑off percentage at **49.2%**, a metric the offseason moves are expected to lift.
Barrett Hayton’s Season Outlook
Hayton, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2018 draft, has always carried high expectations— drafted ahead of future star Quinn Hughes. His recent production has been erratic: a pattern of alternating seasons with roughly 40 points and years with significantly fewer, highlighted by just **25 points** last season. At $4.775 million, the contract looks reasonable if he can return to a 40‑point pace. He also serves as a two‑way forward, starting about half his shifts in the defensive zone and contributing on the penalty kill.
What It Means for 2026‑27
The Mammoth’s offseason moves should translate into a higher face‑off success rate heading into 2026‑27. With depth at the center position, the team is better equipped to handle injuries, a constant concern in the NHL. Hayton’s plan to become bigger, stronger, and faster, while sharpening his face‑off and net‑front work, could push his numbers back into the 40s. Should his production climb, the $4.775 million price tag would appear more justified, and Utah could see a boost in both offensive output and defensive stability.
Leave a Reply