Salt Lake City, Utah — The Utah Mammoth organization has successfully secured a significant piece of its roster puzzle, announcing a five-year contract extension for forward Jack McBain. The deal, valued at $21.25 million with an annual average value (AAV) of $4.25 million, ensures McBain remains with the club through the 2029-30 NHL season.
The announcement came just over 24 hours after the team elected salary arbitration with the restricted free agent. This new long-term agreement effectively bypasses that process, neatly avoiding the potentially awkward and often revealing dynamic an arbitration hearing can create for both player and team.
At 25 years old, McBain is recognized for bringing a specific and highly valued element to the team: physicality and consistent effort. As General Manager Bill Armstrong put it, he`s “a big, strong, physical player who competes hard on a nightly basis and brings a gritty toughness to our group.” Management clearly sees him as integral to their long-term vision, with Armstrong adding that Jack is “an important part of the championship-caliber team we are building.”
The organization`s President of Hockey Operations, Chris Armstrong, further elaborated on McBain`s value, citing his “versatility as a player, his care for his teammates and his demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to win” as critical for the team`s future success. These comments underscore the team`s appreciation for McBain`s foundational characteristics beyond just offensive production.
On the ice, McBain is coming off a season where he set a career high with 27 points and impressively played in all 82 games – one of only six players to do so in the organization`s inaugural season in Salt Lake City. Since debuting in April 2022, his physical style is evident in the statistics; he ranks third across the entire league in hits during that span, with 832. In an era where analytics often dominate, McBain serves as a firm reminder that sometimes, simply running through a wall (or opposing player) still holds significant value.
This five-year commitment signifies the team`s confidence in McBain`s role and continued development. By securing him long-term, the Mammoth retain a crucial middle-six forward who provides both useful production and a significant physical edge as they continue to build their identity in their new home. It`s a deal that makes sense for a team prioritizing compete level and foundational toughness.
