The Utah Mammoth announced Tuesday that they re-signed defenceman John Marino to an eight-year contract extension, with an average annual value of $6.75 million. According to Puckpedia, the deal also comes with strong trade protection. It includes a no-movement clause in year one, a no-trade clause in years 2-4, a 16-team no trade list in years 5-6, and an eight-team no trade list in years 7-8. Entering the final season of his current contract, Marino will now remain in Utah for years to come.
Credit Image: © Anthony Nesmith/Cal Sport Media
8️⃣ more years of Johnny!
We have signed defenseman John Marino to an eight-year contract extension. pic.twitter.com/FJG2S916Th
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) July 21, 2026
John Marino Signs Extension to Stay With the Utah Mammoth
After sending Sean Durzi as part of the Vincent Trocheck trade with the New York Rangers, the Mammoth needed to solidify the top-four in their defence. Although Marino already averaged 20:12 of ice time last season, he’ll likely see an uptick in minutes anyway. He could also receive time on Utah’s second power play unit.
The final lineup won’t be confirmed until opening night, but here’s a look at the expected top-four. It will likely include the likes of Mikhail Sergachev, MacKenzie Weegar, Nate Schmidt, and Marino.
Marino isn’t a physical presence on the blueline, but he brings the same style as Durzi. He can play on both ends of the ice and is a great puck-mover, with an active stick. The 29-year old had a career-high 36 points in 80 games. If all goes well, expect Marino to follow up last season with another career year.
General manager Bill Armstrong really took care of business this offseason. He brought in Vincent Trocheck, who was linked to the Mammoth for months. He signed Anders Lee, who was captain of the New York Islanders, and now locked up Marino. Trocheck and Lee are important veterans to have on a young Utah team that hopes to go beyond the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs next season.
Once the deal starts, Marino will be the second-highest paid defenceman on the Mammoth.
Main Photo Credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
