The Mammoth have officially secured center Logan Cooley with an eight-year contract extension valued at $80 million, resulting in an average annual cap hit of $10 million. Cooley, who was set to become a restricted free agent at the end of his entry-level contract, will now continue to play in Utah until the 2033-34 season. Notably, the contract does not include a signing bonus, but it does come with a 16-team no-trade clause starting in the 2030-31 season. The yearly salary breakdown reveals an escalating pay scale, with Cooley set to earn $13 million in 2026-27 and $10.5 million in the final year of the contract.
This extension makes Cooley the Mammoth’s highest-paid player, reinforcing the trend of players signing long-term contracts ahead of a rule change that will restrict maximum extensions to seven years starting next season. The negotiations between Cooley’s representatives and Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong have been described as amicable, especially following an initial high-profile decline of an eight-year, $77 million offer.
Armstrong’s ability to finalize this deal without significant financial concessions is a testament to his strategic management of the franchise, which has evolved since the Mammoth’s inception from the Coyotes’ hockey operations. Cooley, a standout from the 2022 draft and former top playmaker in college hockey, has quickly established himself as a cornerstone player for the franchise. He played a pivotal role in his rookie season with 20 goals and 44 points, earning a nomination for the Calder Trophy.
Now at just 21 years old, Cooley is making substantial strides. During the Mammoth’s inaugural season in Salt Lake City, he improved his performance to 25 goals and 40 assists, showcasing his growing prowess, particularly in faceoff wins and ice time, which averages nearly 18 minutes per game. His current form has him tied for fifth in scoring across the league with eight goals through the first eleven games of the 2025-26 season, indicating his continuous development.
As Cooley navigates a unique role on the team, often not slotting in as the primary center, he has thrived as part of a dynamic second line. Despite not being the first choice for top-line deployment, his performance illustrates his value and effectiveness, contributing significantly to the Mammoth’s offensive capabilities.
Cooley’s cap hit of $10 million is considered favorable for a player expected to be a consistent point-per-game contributor, especially in the context of a rising salary cap. Armstrong’s proactive approach in locking up key talents—alongside Cooley, players like Dylan Guenther and Mikhail Sergachev are also secured through 2030 or longer—positions the Mammoth as a formidable contender in the league.
Looking forward, Armstrong faces additional challenges. The futures of key players such as Nick Schmaltz and Barrett Hayton remain uncertain, with contract negotiations and team dynamics changing as the Mammoth strive for championship aspirations.