A Barrett Hayton offer sheet is officially on the table after the New Jersey Devils announced Wednesday that they have signed Barrett Hayton to a one-year contract worth $4.775 million. As a restricted free agent, Hayton’s current club, the Utah Mammoth, now has seven days to decide whether to match the offer. If Utah declines, New Jersey will acquire the 26-year-old centre in exchange for a second-round draft pick.
#NEWS: We’ve tendered an offer sheet to Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton, a one-year contract at $4,775,000 per year, which would require a second-round draft pick as compensation.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 1, 2026
The move marks the latest use of the NHL’s offer sheet mechanism and puts immediate pressure on Utah’s front office. Meanwhile, multiple reports indicate the Mammoth are not facing a significant salary cap crunch, making the decision more about roster construction than financial flexibility.
Barrett Hayton Offer Sheet Targets Two-Way Centre
Hayton has quietly developed into a dependable two-way forward during his NHL career. Although he recorded just 10 goals and 15 assists in 67 games last season, his underlying numbers paint a more encouraging picture. He consistently creates scoring chances at even strength while providing reliable defensive play against quality competition.
Furthermore, Hayton has produced 36 points per 82 games across his NHL career while taking on increasing defensive responsibility. His defensive impacts remain one of his strongest attributes, making him an attractive option for a Devils team looking to strengthen its depth down the middle.
However, finishing has limited his offensive ceiling. Public analytics from JFresh and HockeyStats rate his chance generation well above his goal production, suggesting stronger offensive results could follow if his shooting percentages improve.
Empty net goal for Utah!Scored by Barrett Hayton with 00:48 remaining in the 3rd period.Assisted by Kevin Stenlund.Vegas: 0Utah: 4#UTAvsVGK #VegasBorn #UtahHC
— NHL Goals (@nhlgoals.bsky.social) 2026-03-20T04:55:58.119461Z
What It Means for New Jersey and Utah
For New Jersey, the offer sheet represents a relatively low-risk opportunity to add an established NHL centre entering his prime. Moreover, the one-year term limits the long-term financial commitment while requiring only a second-round pick if Utah elects not to match.
Meanwhile, the decision becomes more complicated for the Mammoth. Hayton is coming off a down offensive season and finished the year sidelined with an upper-body injury. At the same time, Utah recently added veteran forwards to its top six, creating additional competition for minutes.
The Mammoth now have one week to determine whether Hayton remains part of their long-term plans or whether they will accept the draft-pick compensation and allow the former fifth-overall selection to join the Devils.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
