The FA class is already weak, and it just got a bit weaker. The Utah Mammoth were able to free up a lot of money by trading JJ Peterka a few days ago, which freed up approximately $ 7.7 million. Now, Utah is using some of that money to re-sign an exciting forward who adds both depth and scoring to a team that really appreciated it this last season. Out of all of the upcoming free agents for the next season, the Mammoth secured their best player, who was about to head to the market.
Kailer Yamamoto will remain in Utah
Kailer Yamamoto was a pretty good offensive player for the Mammoth last season; in just 59 games, the right-winger provided 10 goals and 13 assists, not to mention he had a good 11 +/-rating. GM of the Mammoth perfectly summed up why Utah re-signed Yamamoto: “Kailer is a versatile forward that wins battles and can produce offense for us. Kailer is important to our team and we are thrilled that he will return to the Mammoth.” In addition to getting a great depth player that can be an offensive force at times, the Mammoth also didn't need to pay Yamamoto too much.
The deal is a 2-year, $3.50 million contract, which is only $ 1.75 million per year. Yamamoto probably isn't going to be a 20-goal scorer next season or even the season after that, but even then, with such a deal, Yamamoto is seeking to prove himself. Yamamoto became an important part of the team in the second half of the season and also was able to rack up 5 points in the playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Ultimately, the deal feels like another win for the front office of the Mammoth- a front office that did nothing but win over the weekend, it felt like. Hopefully, Utah can get a great season or two from Yamamoto, and Utah won't regret signing him. For now though, the deal seems like a very good one.
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