In a significant move just as the calendar turns towards the critical restricted free agent arbitration period, the Utah Mammoth have secured a key piece of their forward corps. On Monday, the team announced they have reached a five-year contract agreement with 25-year-old center Jack McBain, successfully steering clear of an impending arbitration hearing.
The agreement is reported to be worth a total of $21.25 million over its five-year term, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $4.25 million. This commitment provides both the player and the newly established franchise with valuable long-term stability and cost certainty.
Arbitration is a formal process in the NHL`s collective bargaining agreement employed when a restricted free agent and their team cannot come to terms on a new contract. It involves presenting arguments for a player`s worth to a neutral third party who then dictates the salary and terms. While a necessary tool, both sides often prefer to avoid the adversarial nature of a hearing, where player performance and perceived value are dissected in detail. That this deal was finalized right as the arbitration window opened suggests negotiations went down to the wire, with a mutual desire ultimately prevailing to find a solution outside the hearing room.
McBain arrives at this long-term deal having just completed his most productive season in the league. Last season, he appeared in all 82 games for the team, recording career highs in goals (13) and total points (27). His performance demonstrated growth and solidified his role as a reliable middle-six forward capable of contributing offensively while playing a physical game.
Originally a third-round pick (63rd overall) by the Minnesota Wild in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, McBain`s rights were traded to the Arizona organization in March 2022. In 241 career NHL games to date, he has registered 82 points, consisting of 35 goals and 47 assists.
For the Utah Mammoth, locking up a player like McBain for five years at this AAV is a strategic move. It secures a known commodity entering his prime years at a predictable cost, essential for managing the salary cap. For McBain, the contract provides substantial financial security and cements his place with the franchise as they embark on their new chapter in Utah.
With McBain`s contract now resolved, the Mammoth can focus on their remaining roster decisions and preparations for the upcoming season, having avoided one of the potential procedural hurdles of the NHL off-season.
Tristan Blackwood