Logan Cooley, while not regarded as a generational talent, is making waves as a budding star for the Utah Mammoth after signing an impressive $80 million extension with an average annual value of $10 million. This news, confirmed by Elliotte Friedman, highlights a looming challenge for the Detroit Red Wings as they prepare for potential contract negotiations with their own promising young players.
The rising salary cap presents a silver lining for the Red Wings, who have four core youngsters—Simon Edvinsson, Marco Kasper, Emmitt Finnie, and Axel Sandin-Pellikka—up for extension within the next three seasons. As Cooley enters his third full season with the Mammoth, his performance is particularly noteworthy, averaging over a point per game through the early part of the 2025-26 season.
While the hope is that Finnie and Kasper will develop into point-per-game contributors in Detroit, maintaining all four players amid the expected surge in contract values could prove challenging. As player salaries increase, Cooley’s extension signifies a trend that could complicate the Red Wings’ financial strategies going forward.
Finnie has emerged as a surprise talent, registering eight points including four goals in just ten games. In contrast, Kasper has struggled early in the season with only one point but demonstrated his potential last season. Edvinsson is developing well, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively and defensively, and Sandin-Pellikka is demonstrating potential as an offensive contributor, evidenced by his solid defensive stats.
The impending contract discussions for Edvinsson are particularly intriguing, as he has shown substantial growth and is on pace to become a top-four defenseman. This raises a pivotal question for team management: should General Manager Steve Yzerman consider a long-term eight-year extension for Edvinsson, or would a shorter “bridge deal” be more prudent as he continues to develop? If Edvinsson reaches the heights of a 50-60 point player, his market value could significantly rise.
As the landscape of NHL salaries shifts, it’s clear that non-generational talents like Cooley herald a new era where young players could command salaries exceeding the current $10 million AAV soon. The Red Wings must monitor the progression of their young talents keenly, particularly Edvinsson’s upcoming extension negotiations, which could occur as early as this season or the summer of 2026. The future looks promising for the Red Wings if they can navigate these challenges effectively.