The Utah Mammoth have a good portion of their core locked up for the next number of years. However, there are a few players entering the final year of their contracts that the Mammoth may want to re-sign. Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Mammoth have eight players who are pending unrestricted free agents (UFA) at the end of the season and two players who are restricted free agents (RFA). They have some big decisions to make as we get closer to the start of the season.

Because of that, let's look at a few contract extension candidates for the Mammoth, now that the focus is on the 2025-26 season.

The first candidate who could receive an extension is Nick Schmaltz. He is eligible to sign a contract extension at any point. There are some questions regarding his future with the team, though. If they are looking to improve their roster and make another big splash, they could use Schmaltz as potential trade bait.

Schmaltz has had a pretty good NHL career up to this point. In 588 games across nine seasons, he has scored 142 goals and 281 assists for 423 points. During his time with the Arizona Coyotes and Mammoth organization, he has produced 332 points and has been a very important piece of their group. Because of that, many would think he is deserving of an extension. However, without knowing exactly what the front office is thinking, it is hard to say.

Still, he is a prime candidate to receive an extension. At 29 years old, he still has a few years left in his prime. He is currently making $5.85 million per season. If he does sign an extension, it could land in the $6.5 million range. If his asking price exceeds $7 million, then Utah may use him as a rental and let him walk to free agency in the summer of 2026.

Next up is the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Barrett Hayton is now eligible for a contract extension. At just 25 years old, he is a pending RFA, which allows the Mammoth to hold onto his rights.

Hayton is someone they likely want to keep around. He has shown he can be a reliable secondary scorer who plays just behind the team’s top stars. Last season, he had 20 goals and 26 assists for 46 points in 82 games, setting new career highs in all three categories. This season, he has a real chance to top those numbers again. He also has to be excited about the J.J. Peterka trade. Adding another high-end forward makes the lineup deeper, which could give Hayton a chance to play with either Peterka or Dylan Guenther. That kind of support could help take his game up another level.

Aside from his rookie season, this might be the most important year of his career. He’s looking to earn a new contract with more money and term. That will largely depend on how he performs. He’ll need to have the best statistical season of his career and exceed every expectation the organization has set out for him if he wants to land a significant deal.

The last candidate is the biggest name. Logan Cooley, the former third overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, is due for a new deal. Aside from Clayton Keller, he’s arguably the best forward on the team and someone the Mammoth should prioritize signing long-term. Like Hayton, he’s an RFA at season’s end. But in Cooley’s case, other teams could view him as a top offer sheet target. Because of that, Utah should look to get him signed as soon as possible.

In his short career so far, he’s already shown signs of stardom. In his rookie season, he had 44 points in 82 games. Last year, he broke out with 25 goals and 40 assists for 65 points in 75 games. That gives him 109 points in 157 games. It’s a strong start by any standard. And with the Peterka addition, Cooley could be poised for an even bigger season in 2025-26. He’s likely to line up with Keller and Peterka, which could form a dominant top line for Utah.

Cooley is in a similar spot to Hayton. Both want to maximize their earnings early in their careers. It would not be surprising if Cooley signs an eight-year deal with the organization. A basic 8x8 structure could pay him well now and still be good value down the line. But if both sides wait until next summer and he has another strong season, his number could climb north of $8.5 million per year.