Utah Mammoth Start New Chapter with Logan Cooley’s $80 Million Extension | NHL News – The Times of India

On Wednesday, October 29, the Utah Mammoth announced an eight-year, $80 million contract extension with star center Logan Cooley. This commitment, signaling a new era for the team, comes with an average annual value of $10 million. For the Utah Mammoth, a franchise still in its early years, this move signifies a defining moment, and it shows the significance of Logan Cooley as a core player.

Cooley, aged 21, has wholeheartedly embraced the city and the organization since his transfer from Arizona. For a team looking to establish its identity, retaining Cooley long-term stands for both solidity and aspiration.

Cooley expressed his enthusiasm about his decision to stay in Utah, mentioning his team, the city, and the ownership’s role in his decision. He said, “Choosing to play with this group of teammates was the easiest part of this decision, and living in Utah has been amazing since day one.” He also praised the ownership for their support and for creating a successful environment, further stating, “Ryan and Ashley Smith have given our team every resource to succeed, which is all you can ask for as a player.”

In Logan Cooley’s early performance in the 2025-26 session, he has registered 8 goals, 4 assists, and a +5 rating in 11 games, leading the Mammoth in goals. His performance earned him the NHL’s Second Star of the Week on October 27.

Team governor Ryan Smith has praised Cooley’s decision as a reflection of Utah’s growing culture and competitive vision. He mentioned Cooley as a cornerstone of the team’s future, saying, “He is a part of an incredible group of young players that will have a significant impact on this franchise’s future.”

Smith added that this decision embodies the strong connection between the team, its fans, and the community. General manager Bill Armstrong also spoke about Cooley’s value both on and off the field, stating that “Logan is not only an incredible player but an even better person and we look forward to seeing him grow.”

Since his NHL debut in 2023-24 with the Arizona Coyotes, Cooley has appeared in 168 career games, scoring 53 goals and 68 assists for 121 points.

In spite of his Pittsburgh upbringing, Cooley led the Utah Mammoth’s hockey future. He played one season at the University of Minnesota in 2022-23, where he recorded 22 goals and 38 assists in 39 games. He has also represented Team USA in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he tied for the team lead in scoring and assisted the team in winning its first gold medal in 92 years.

For Utah Mammoth, Cooley’s signing is more than a contract; it’s a defining moment in their long-term strategy in the NHL. With Cooley starting his next chapter in Salt Lake City, both he and the Mammoth have made their intentions clear – Utah’s future is here, and it’s constructed with longevity in mind.