Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah Mammoth have successfully secured a vital piece of their forward group, signing restricted free agent Jack McBain to a five-year contract valued at $21.25 million. The agreement was announced Monday, coming just over 24 hours after the team had elected salary arbitration, effectively bypassing the hearing process.
The contract carries an annual average value (AAV) of $4.25 million against the salary cap and is set to keep McBain in Utah through the conclusion of the 2029-30 NHL season. Securing a player of McBain`s caliber and role long-term before arbitration provides cost certainty and stability for the nascent Mammoth roster.
General Manager Bill Armstrong emphasized McBain`s importance to the team`s identity. “He is precisely the kind of player we need to build around,” Armstrong stated. “Jack is a big, strong, physical forward who competes hard on a nightly basis and brings that essential gritty toughness to our group. He`s an important part of the championship-caliber team we are building here in Utah, and we look forward to his contributions for the foreseeable future.”
President of Hockey Operations Chris Armstrong echoed the sentiment, highlighting attributes beyond raw physicality. “Jack’s versatility as a player, his genuine care for his teammates, and his demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to win are all critical elements to our future team success,” he added, underlining the forward`s value both on and off the ice.
McBain, 25, is coming off a career-best season statistically, having posted 27 points while notably playing in all 82 regular season games. His durability was a valuable asset during the franchise`s inaugural season operating out of Salt Lake City; he was one of just six players to appear in every game for the team.
Since making his debut in April 2022 after being acquired by the franchise (then located in Arizona), McBain has registered 82 points over 241 career NHL contests. Beyond point production, his physical presence is undeniable – he ranks third across the entire league in total hits accumulated over that timeframe, a statistical testament to his impactful, hard-nosed style of play.
This five-year commitment signals the Mammoth`s belief in McBain as a core component of their forward depth and establishes a key physical driver for the team as they continue to build in their new market. Avoiding arbitration ensures a smooth offseason process for both player and club, allowing full focus on preparing for the challenges ahead.
