Mammoth Lock Up Star Center Schmaltz with 8-Year Extension

Utah Mammoth sign Nick Schmaltz to $64 million contract, keeping core together for playoff push

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:21pm

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The Utah Mammoth have signed star center Nick Schmaltz to an 8-year, $64 million contract extension, locking up one of their top players as they make a playoff push in just their second season in Salt Lake City. Schmaltz, a former first-round pick, was set to hit free agency this offseason after a 24-goal, 59-point campaign.

Why it matters

The Mammoth are making a concerted effort to build a contender, having already extended young stars Logan Cooley and JJ Peterka. Keeping Schmaltz, their top center, is a key part of that plan as they look to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.

The details

Schmaltz's new deal will keep him in Utah through the 2033-34 season, when he'll be 38 years old. While the Mammoth may have overpaid slightly to retain him, the team views Schmaltz as a crucial part of their core alongside Cooley and Keller. The 24-goal, 59-point campaign this season was a career-best for Schmaltz, who likely would have commanded an even bigger payday on the open market.

  • Schmaltz was set to become a free agent on July 1, 2026.
  • The Mammoth signed the 8-year, $64 million extension with Schmaltz on March 11, 2026.

The players

Nick Schmaltz

A 24-goal, 59-point center who was set to hit free agency this offseason before signing an 8-year, $64 million extension to remain with the Utah Mammoth.

Logan Cooley

A young star center for the Mammoth who the team extended earlier this season as they look to build a contender.

JJ Peterka

Another key piece of the Mammoth's young core that the team signed before the season as they look to push for the playoffs.

Clayton Keller

The Mammoth's captain and a crucial part of their core group of players.

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What’s next

The Mammoth will look to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference as they continue building around their young core of Schmaltz, Cooley, and Peterka.

The takeaway

By locking up Schmaltz long-term, the Mammoth have solidified their top-six center position and kept their promising young core together as they aim to build a Stanley Cup contender in just their second season in Salt Lake City.