The Utah Mammoth solidified their long-term vision by re-signing 25‑year‑old center Jack McBain to a five-year contract worth $21.25 million, carrying a $4.25 million average annual value (AAV). The deal, unveiled after salary arbitration was initiated, not only secures McBain’s immediate future but deepens his stake in the team’s ascent toward contention .
McBain’s 2024–25 campaign was a breakthrough, logging career highs with 13 goals and 27 points across all 82 games. His consistent presence and gritty style contributed to Utah’s first season in Salt Lake City, making him a central figure in the franchise’s identity .
🧱 From Restricted Free Agent to Core Pillar
As a restricted free agent (RFA), McBain had limited leverage, but the Mammoth’s choice to enter arbitration underscored their intent: to set a floor and lock him in. Instead, they reached a deal worth much more than his previous two-year, $3.2M contract with Arizona, which only carried $1.6M AAV .
This new agreement avoids arbitration and secures three extra years of control. In GM Bill Armstrong’s words, McBain is “an important part of the championship‑caliber team we are building”
📊 Why $4.25M AAV Is Smart Money
The $4.25M salary places McBain well above league minimum but well below elite top‑six forwards—positioning him as a high-value second‑liner. For a physical center who skates all 82 games and tallies 832 career hits, it’s a deal that offers high output for reasonable investment.
The team’s calculation? They preserve cap space for bigger future signings while rewarding a young player on the rise. McBain’s versatility, on‑ice consistency, and team-first reputation make him an asset.
🏒 Career Snapshot & Growth Trajectory
- Drafted in 2018 (Third Round, 63rd overall) by Minnesota; traded to Arizona in 2022 .
- Debuted in April 2022; became a regular in Arizona and then Utah.
- Logged 82 points in 241 NHL games; a steady, physical two-way center.
- Led NHL rookies with 832 hits since 2022.
- Appeared in all 82 Mammoth games last season; team’s only player to do so.
🧠 Impact for Utah and McBain’s Legacy
For Utah:
- Salary cap predictability: AAV is stable through 2029–30, enabling future cap planning around McBain.
- Team culture: Continuity with McBain, Dylan Guenther, J.J. Peterka, and Clayton Keller reflects a core-first build strategy.
- Competitive timeline: This teamlocked in core aims to peak together, leveraging young talent and shared locker-room chemistry sltrib.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.
For McBain:
- Financial security: $21.25M over five years, fully guaranteed.
- Market value clarity: AAV reflects his true role—versatile middle-six center with two-way chops.
- Brand elevation: Locked into a growing market, McBain stands poised to grow personal brand and local fanbase influence.
💸 How McBain’s Deal Compares
At $4.25M AAV, McBain sits above entry-level vets (approx. $3M/year) but below premium forwards ($6–8M). It’s a mid-tier contract with upside—a bet the Mammoth are making that his production and locker room value will surpass the paycheck.
This is smart asset management in the salary cap era: pay a fair rate, retain a rising player, and maintain roster flexibility.
🔮 What’s Next for McBain & Utah
- Contract ceiling: Post-2029, McBain can pursue a larger payday as he enters prime years.
- Performance upside: With his role expanding, he has room to increase point totals.
- Franchise positioning: If Utah pushes deep into playoffs, McBain’s visibility—and market—will surge.
🧩 Distinct Athlete Perspective
At Distinct Athlete, we see this deal as emblematic of modern NHL strategy: protecting young talent, managing cap space smartly, and rewarding character players who contribute beyond the scoresheet.
- Cap management: Utah avoids overspending; McBain remains motivated.
- Asset retention: McBain’s deal prevents him from testing open market anytime soon.
- Athlete empowerment: He’s well compensated and embedded in franchise DNA—a win-win.
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💬 Join the Conversation
Do you think $4.25M AAV is a steal for what McBain brings? How will this contract shape Utah’s competitive trajectory?
Let us know on Instagram, X, and Facebook @DistinctAthlete with #MammothCoreDeal.
