Key Highlights
- The Utah Mammoth signed center Logan Cooley to an eight-year contract extension worth $80 million.
- The deal is structured with varying annual salaries from 2026 through 2034, with a total of $10 million per year in cap hit.
- Cooley, who was a pending restricted free agent at the end of his entry-level contract, will remain with the Mammoth until the 2033-34 season.
- The extension is expected to lock Cooley into being one of the highest-paid players on the team for the majority of his prime years.
Utah Mammoth Secure Eight-Year Deal with Center Logan Cooley
The Utah Mammoth, an expansion team in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced a significant move by securing center Logan Cooley to an eight-year contract extension. The deal, worth $80 million over the course of its duration, positions Cooley as one of the top-paid players on the team for the next several seasons.
This agreement came after Cooley was deemed a pending restricted free agent at the end of his entry-level contract, highlighting the Mammoth’s commitment to retaining their core talent. The deal does not include any signing bonus money and includes a 16-team no-trade list starting in the 2030-31 season.
Cooley’s Contract Details
The financial breakdown of Cooley’s new contract is as follows, with annual salaries structured to reflect his performance and market value:
- 2026-27: $13 million
- 2027-28: $11 million
- 2028-29: $11 million
- 2029-30: $10 million
- 2030-31: $7.8 million
- 2031-32: $8.2 million
- 2032-33: $8.5 million
- 2033-34: $10.5 million
Mammoth’s Strategy and Market Value
By securing Cooley, the Mammoth have demonstrated their intention to build a competitive team over the long term. Bill Armstrong, the General Manager of the Mammoth, is known for his astute management skills in leveraging increased funding from Utah ownership. This deal solidifies Cooley as a cornerstone player and signals the club’s focus on retaining its core talent.
Since joining the NAHL after being drafted third overall in 2022 out of the U.S.
National Team Development Program, Cooley has consistently improved his game. His rookie season (2023-24) saw him score 20 goals and add 44 points while serving as a middle-six center. The following year, he exploded with 25 goals, 40 assists, and 65 points in just 75 games, showing significant growth both offensively and defensively.
Impact on Team Dynamics and Future Planning
The Mammoth’s decision to sign Cooley early in the 2025-26 season likely saved them substantial cap space. This move ensures that Cooley will be a key player for years to come, enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities and potentially leading to future success on the ice.
According to Armstrong, this deal is part of a larger strategy to lock in his core players for the remainder of their prime years. Other players like Peterka, Guenther, McBain, Sergachev, and Vejmelka are also signed through 2030 or longer, creating a stable foundation for the Mammoth.
However, challenges remain as Schmaltz, Hayton, and Keller will need to be addressed in future negotiations.
Hayton, in particular, is due for arbitration this summer, putting pressure on Armstrong to find solutions that keep his team competitive while managing cap space effectively.
The Utah Mammoth’s decision to extend Cooley’s contract signals their commitment to building a strong franchise and maintaining high-level hockey in the NAHL. As the league continues to grow, securing key players like Cooley is crucial for teams looking to compete at the highest level.
