The Utah Mammoth have matched center Barrett Hayton’s one‑year, $4.775 million offer sheet from the New Jersey Devils.
Devils general manager Sunny Mehta signed the restricted free agent Hayton on July 1, giving Utah a seven‑day window to decide whether to retain him. The Mammoth would have been awarded a 2027 second‑round draft pick if they chose not to match.
“I’m fired up to get back with my teammates and remain in Utah,” Hayton said in a news release. “I’ve been with this core group for my whole career, and it’s exciting that we have an opportunity to do some special things next season in front of the best fans in the NHL.”
Hayton recorded 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 67 games this past season. His average ice time of 15:07 was the lowest since the 2020‑21 campaign. In 2024‑25, however, he posted a career‑high 20 goals and 46 points, and improved his faceoff success to 54.1% and 52.6% in the two most recent seasons.
“Barrett is a key piece of our team and important to what we are building here in Utah,” Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong said. “He’s strong in the faceoff circle, plays both sides of the puck and can slot in anywhere in our forward group. We’re grateful to keep him for next season.”
Utah Mammoth Match New Jersey Devils’ Offer Sheet For Barrett Hayton
The New Jersey Devils hit Barrett Hayton with an offer sheet, but the Utah Mammoth matched it to keep their player.
What Happens Now For The Mammoth And Hayton?
Because the Mammoth matched the contract, NHL collective bargaining agreement rules prevent them from trading Hayton for an entire calendar year.
Hayton can begin negotiating an extension as early as January 1, 2027. If he does not agree to a new deal, he will become an unrestricted free agent that summer, and Utah will be unable to move him before then.
Utah now carries roughly $4.58 million in cap space, according to PuckPedia.
Depth at center looks solid for the Mammoth after acquiring Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers last week. The roster also features Nick Schmaltz, Logan Cooley, Kevin Stenlund and Jack McBain, giving the team multiple options.
Coach Andre Tourigny will need to sort out wing assignments, as the club may be crowded at centre.
Hayton, who has also seen time on the wing, finished second in faceoff percentage for Utah behind Stenlund, with McBain third. However, Schmaltz, Cooley and Trocheck are established centres; Trocheck posted a 56.9% faceoff rate with the Rangers last season.
The Mammoth could shift one of their depth centres to the wing while still using him for faceoffs.
With a shortened September pre‑season, Utah will have limited time to lock in its lineup before the regular season begins and the battle for the ultra‑competitive Central Division begins.
