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The Utah Mammoth have decided to match an offer sheet for Barrett Hayton, ensuring the 26-year-old center remains with the team for the upcoming season. The offer sheet, extended by the New Jersey Devils, was a one-year deal worth $4.775 million. Utah exercised its right of first refusal just ahead of the deadline, keeping Hayton in Utah for at least another year.
Hayton, who scored 10 goals and provided 15 assists last season, was initially a restricted free agent. The Mammoth had filed for arbitration with Hayton, but the Devils' offer sheet added complexity to the negotiations. By matching the offer, Utah retains Hayton but cannot trade him for a year, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
The decision to match the offer sheet reflects Utah's commitment to maintaining balance in their lineup, as losing Hayton would have left them with only two left-handed centers. According to KSL Sports, Hayton is known for his skills in the faceoff circle and his ability to battle in the tough areas of the ice.
Despite the potential financial strain, the Mammoth opted to keep Hayton, who was originally drafted fifth overall by the Arizona Coyotes before the franchise moved to Utah. The Yahoo Sports report highlights that Hayton's underlying numbers suggest he has room to grow as a two-way forward.
The Devils' offer sheet was seen as a strategic move, especially after a previous trade deal for Hayton between the two teams fell through. As MSN notes, the offer sheet could have netted the Devils a third-line center if Utah had declined to match.
With Hayton secured for another season, the Mammoth will look to capitalize on his contributions while navigating the potential challenges of next year's free agency.