The Utah Mammoth just made the biggest statement since their arrival in Salt Lake City. Signing Logan Cooley to an 8-year, $80 million contract isn’t just a signing; it’s a coronation. This $10 million AAV (Average Annual Value) isn’t a reward for past performance—Cooley only has 93 NHL games under his belt. This is a massive, calculated bet on the future, and frankly, it’s the smartest move GM Bill Armstrong could have made.
In a new market, you must establish a franchise face. Cooley, the 3rd overall pick in 2022, is exactly that. He’s young, dynamic, and already producing at over a point-per-game pace this season (12 points in 11 games). By locking him in now, Utah avoids a messy bridge deal negotiation later. They are buying out his RFA years and several UFA years at a price that, if Cooley develops as expected, will look like an absolute bargain by 2028.
Why This $80M Bet Makes Perfect Sense for Utah
Let’s break down the timing. Cooley proved he could handle the full 82-game grind last season. He’s come into his sophomore year looking explosive. Many GMs would wait, play hardball, and try to save a million or two on a bridge deal. But Armstrong recognizes the unique situation. The Utah Mammoth organization, backed by Ryan and Ashley Smith, needs to signal stability. They need to show fans and potential free agents that they are here to build a winner, and they’ll pay to keep their core talent home.
This deal shouts confidence in Cooley as “the guy.” He’s not just a core piece; he is the core. This organization watched him develop in the USNTDP, tracked him at Minnesota, and threw him right into the fire last year. They know exactly what they have: a high-character, high-skill center who wants to be in Utah (as his statement made clear). This contract ensures the franchise’s centerpiece is secure for nearly a decade.
While $10M AAV for a 21-year-old raises eyebrows, this is the new NHL. You pay for potential, and Logan Cooley’s potential is stratospheric. This is a win-win: Cooley gets long-term security, and the Utah Mammoth secure their franchise cornerstone before the price really goes up.
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