The Utah Mammoth's best player is remaining put whenever the 2025-26 season concludes.
Utah revealed on late Wednesday morning that they have agreed to an eight-year contract extension with star forward Nick Schmaltz worth $64 million.
Schmaltz could have hit free agency, but instead opted to remain in Salt Lake City.
"There was never a doubt that Utah is where I want to play the rest of my career, and I'm thrilled to sign an eight-year extension," Schmaltz said. "We have a great core of players, and I know we can do some special things together here in Utah. We have a very bright future, and I am thankful to (owners) Ryan and Ashley Smith for wanting me to be a part of the group that will one day bring a Stanley Cup to Utah."
The 30-year-old is second on the Mammoth with 59 points in 64 games so far this season. If the season ended today, Utah would be in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 34-26-5 record with 73 points that places them fifth in the Western Conference. It would be the first time the team would make the playoffs since 2020, when they were known as the Arizona Coyotes.
"Nick is a tremendous player and person, who is very deserving of this contract," general manager Bill Armstrong said. "We expect him to continue producing on the ice and leading our young, skilled forwards for years to come.
"There's a lot of momentum building around our team, and extending Nick Schmaltz is an important part of continuing that," team owner Ryan Smith said. "Utah is becoming a true destination in the NHL, and Nick's long-term commitment reflects the excitement around what we're building here."
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