The Utah Mammoth have successfully navigated a potential hurdle in their offseason roster construction, announcing Monday the signing of forward Jack McBain to a five-year contract extension. The agreement, valued at $21.25 million with an average annual value (AAV) of $4.25 million, secures McBain through the 2029-30 NHL season and, importantly, avoids a pending salary arbitration hearing.
This swift resolution comes less than 48 hours after the team had elected salary arbitration with the restricted free agent. Reaching a deal before the arbitration process plays out is almost always the preferred outcome for both clubs and players, ensuring cost certainty and bypassing what can sometimes be a contentious process.
A Key Piece for the New Era
At 25 years old, McBain has quickly become a foundational element for the Utah franchise as it establishes its identity in Salt Lake City. General Manager Bill Armstrong highlighted McBain`s physical attributes and competitive nature, stating he is “a big, strong, physical player who competes hard on a nightly basis and brings a gritty toughness to our group.” Indeed, McBain seems to approach the game with a certain… robust enthusiasm.
President of Hockey Operations Chris Armstrong echoed the sentiment, pointing to McBain`s “versatility as a player, his care for his teammates and his demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to win” as critical elements for the team`s future success. This suggests McBain`s value extends beyond simply being a tough player; he is seen as a leader and a core component of the desired team culture.
Performance and Contract Significance
The five-year term signals a significant commitment from the organization, indicating their belief in McBain`s consistency and continued development. The $4.25 million AAV reflects his growing importance and recent performance. Last season, McBain set a career high in points with 27 and demonstrated valuable durability by playing in all 82 games – one of only six players on the roster to do so during the franchise`s inaugural season in Utah.
His physicality is backed by league-leading statistics; since making his NHL debut in April 2022, McBain ranks third across the entire league with an impressive 832 hits. While his offensive game continues to evolve (82 points in 241 career games with the franchise, including his time in Arizona), his established identity as a hard-nosed, difficult-to-play-against forward makes him a unique and valuable asset.
Looking Ahead
By getting this deal done efficiently, the Utah Mammoth remove a significant piece of offseason uncertainty regarding a key player. Locking up McBain long-term provides stability to the forward group and reinforces the team`s stated goal of building a competitive, championship-caliber roster rooted in attributes like toughness and competitiveness. McBain appears to be exactly the kind of player they want anchoring that foundation as the Mammoth era unfolds in Utah.
