In a significant move solidifying their roster foundation in Salt Lake City, the **Utah Mammoth** have reached a five-year agreement with forward **Jack McBain**, securing the services of the physical center through the 2029-30 NHL season.
The contract is reportedly worth **$21.25 million**, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of **$4.25 million** against the salary cap. The deal was finalized shortly after the team had elected salary arbitration with the 25-year-old restricted free agent – a procedural step that can sometimes indicate tricky negotiations, but in this case, seems to have spurred a long-term resolution before a third-party ruling was needed.
McBain is not your flashy, highlight-reel goal scorer, and frankly, that`s exactly why the Mammoth value him. He`s renowned for bringing a distinct brand of hockey to the ice every night. As General Manager **Bill Armstrong** put it, McBain is a “**big, strong, physical player who competes hard… and brings a gritty toughness to our group**.” It’s the kind of description that makes opposing players wince slightly and coaches nod in approval.
Coming off a season where he set a career high with **27 points**, McBain also demonstrated remarkable durability and commitment, being one of just six players to suit up for all **82 games** during the franchise’s inaugural campaign in Salt Lake City. Playing a full schedule is often a quiet but crucial indicator of a player`s value, especially one who plays with McBain`s punishing style.
His physical impact is perhaps his most defining trait. Since entering the league in April 2022, McBain ranks **third** league-wide with **832 hits**. While others are chasing assists or plus/minus ratings, McBain is out there leaving his mark, shift after shift. It`s the sort of statistic that doesn`t always jump off the scoresheet but is keenly felt by everyone on the ice – especially the recipients.
President of Hockey Operations **Chris Armstrong** echoed the sentiment regarding McBain`s importance, highlighting his “**versatility as a player, his care for his teammates and his demonstrated willingness to do whatever it takes to win**.” These are the intangible qualities management often points to when building a team ethos, particularly for a club trying to establish its identity in a new market.
In locking up McBain for half a decade, the Utah Mammoth brass have sent a clear message: they are building a team defined by competitiveness, toughness, and a commitment to the hard-nosed aspects of the game. McBain isn`t just a player on the roster; he`s been positioned as a core piece embodying the very identity the Mammoth aim to forge in the competitive landscape of the NHL.
