After an eventful first day of free agency, the Utah Mammoth arguably made the biggest trade. They acquired Vincent Trocheck from the New York Rangers. Defenceman Sean Durzi, prospect Cole Beaudoin, and a 2027 third-round pick were sent back to the Rangers. However, a new development occurred shortly after.
Utah Mammoth Should Decline Matching the Barrett Hayton Offer Sheet
Credit Image: © Michael Johnson/Southcreek/ZUMAPRESS.com
Late Wednesday afternoon, the New Jersey Devils sent a one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet for Utah centre Barrett Hayton. This means that Hayton agreed to go the Devils and leave the Mammoth. According to Daily Faceoff, the Devils had a deal in place for Hayton during the NHL Entry Draft, but it fell through. So, New Jersey took a more aggressive approach.
#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 question now is, will the Mammoth match it? Well, here’s why they shouldn’t.
It’s not surprising to see an offer sheet sent, but it’s always a shock when one actually happens. That was the case for the Mammoth. The Devils are looking to add another forward to their roster, so now they’re trying to poach Hayton away from Utah.
The Mammoth have until next Wednesday to match the offer sheet from New Jersey. If they don’t, then Utah will receive the Devils’ 2027 second-round draft pick as compensation.
Although it was originally reported that the Mammoth filed for arbitration on Hayton, he was still free to sign an offer sheet from any team.
Devils Trying to Exploit Trade Rule
The Devils have put the Mammoth in a bit of a pickle because of a rule around offer sheets. If Utah matches and retains following the Barret Hayton offer sheet, they cannot trade him until next year.
The problem is that Hayton’s free agent status will change from restricted to unrestricted. Since the Mammoth can’t move him if they match the offer, they could end up losing Hayton for nothing when he reaches free agency in 2027. The Devils are forcing Utah into making a difficult decision.
In our opinion, the Mammoth may not have a choice but to decline and let Hayton go to New Jersey. However, Utah does have the salary cap space to match the offer sheet if they choose to take the risk.
Trocheck Trade Helps Soften the Loss of Hayton
During the season, the Mammoth centre depth consisted of Nick Schmaltz, Logan Cooley, Hayton, and Kevin Stenlund. If Hayton does leave, Trocheck could step right in his place. The 32-year-old will turn 33 soon, but he has a great contract with three years left at $5.625 million, per Puckpedia.
Trocheck was linked to the Mammoth for a long time, and we had him as their missing piece prior to the trade deadline. Trocheck had Utah on his no-trade list last year, but they weren’t this year because his trade protection dropped from 12 teams to 10 on July 1.
In terms of on-ice impact, Hayton has likely reached his potential. He had a significant drop in production compared to the previous season, largely due to an upper-body injury. The 26-year-old recorded just 25 points in 67 games while primarily in a middle-six role.
Trocheck will get to play in back to back Winter Classics.
One on the beach and now in the Mountains. pic.twitter.com/YWF66a23CB
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 4, 2026
On the other hand, Trocheck has proven he could play a major role on any team. Despite battling injuries during a disappointing Rangers season, he still had 53 points in 67 games. It also marked his fifth straight season with at least 50 points. Trocheck played an important defensive role in Team USA‘s Gold Medal victory at this year’s 2026 Winter Olympics from Milano-Cortina in Italy.
Hayton has a solid two-way game, but Trocheck is largely superior in most areas. He can play in the top-six, power play, and penalty kill. In addition to being a faceoff machine (56.9%).
Yes, Hayton has Trocheck beat when it comes to age. But it’s clear that the Mammoth would be better with Trocheck as the third line centre going forward.
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images
