The Utah Mammoth absolutely cooked on July 1st with multiple moves that included trading for a superstar and signing a valuable veteran. However, on the first day of free agency, the Mammoth also got an offer sheet for the former 5th overall selection of the 2018 NHL draft. They had 7 days to match the offer, and now, it is the seventh day- meaning they must answer the offer sheet from the New Jersey Devils for Barrett Hayton.
Is Hayton still worth it for Utah?
Hayton has been an interesting story for the Utah Mammoth, as Hayton has been more of a "what could've been" player for Utah. The former high pick has struggled immensely with Utah and hasn't quite broken out yet. Despite this, the Devils offered the restricted free agent a one-year, $4.775M deal as they search for more offense. The Devils lack scoring, ranking just 27th in goals per game, which is obviously something they want to improve. Hayton is much more likely to score goals and be a bigger part of the offense in New Jersey than in Utah, especially after Utah's additions in July so far.
Hayton scored only 10 goals and added 15 assists (25 points) in 67 games. This was a major step back after a 20-goal, 26-assist season, which saw Hayton score 46 points. The 2024-25 season wasn't the only season where Hayton almost broke out, as in the 2022-23 season with the Arizona Coyotes, Hayton scored 43 points with 19 goals and 24 assists. Hayton has yet to break out, and Utah doesn't need Hayton anymore. The deal is simple: if Hayton is re-signed, then Utah cannot trade the 26-year-old for a year, potentially losing Hayton for nothing.
However, if Hayton walks, then Utah will retain some salary room and will also get a 2027 second-round pick as compensation for Hayton. Utah probably wouldn't trade Hayton for only a second-rounder, but they may have no choice. Hayton still has some potential and can still be a 20+ goal scorer, but with Utah only improving this offseason, Hayton probably isn't doing that in Utah. It would definitely make sense to see Utah not match this offer.
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