The Utah Mammoth said they have matched New Jersey’s offer sheet to Barrett Hayton, signing the 26-year-old center to a $4.775 million contract for next season.
“Barrett is a key piece of our team and important to what we are building here in Utah,” general manager Bill Armstrong said. “He’s strong in the faceoff circle, plays both sides of the puck and can play with anyone in our forward group. We are grateful to be able to count on Barrett in our lineup next season.”
Utah would have received the Devils’ 2027 second-round pick as compensation if it did not match. It cost New Jersey nothing to take the risk on the restricted free agent, as Philadelphia did with its $90 million offer sheet to Anaheim’s Leo Carlsson.
The Mammoth can sign Hayton to an extension beginning Jan. 1 but cannot trade him before July 1, when he could hit the unrestricted free agent market at age 27.
“I’m fired up to get back with my teammates and remain in Utah,” Hayton said. “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.”