The Utah Mammoth are building something.
While their debut campaign record of 38-31-13 (89 points) was nothing special, this Ryan Smith-led ownership group has the Mammoth going in the right direction. Retaining under-the-radar forwards like Jack McBain helps that growth.
According to multiple sources, Utah has locked in McBain on a five-year, $21.25 million contract ($4.25 million AAV).
McBain was originally a third-round draft pick of the Minnesota Wild back in 2018, but he was traded to the Arizona Coyotes. After breaking onto the scene during the final stretch of the 2021-22 season, McBain has been a fixture for the franchise.
He has played in 82, 67, and 82 games, respectively, over the last three seasons, tallying 33 goals, 79 points, 192 penalty minutes, and, perhaps most importantly to his game, 799 hits.
At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, he has the frame and physicality necessary to thrive in the playoffs. While the postseason may seem far away for the Mammoth, this is an exciting, young core, and securing tough guys like McBain is crucial to the team’s future in Utah.
McBain will likely never grow out of his bottom-six role, as the scoring pop looks to have about reached its peak. However, with a skilled forward group led by Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, Nick Schmaltz, Barrett Hayton, and JJ Peterka ahead of him, McBain can focus on what he does best: crushing defensemen and winning battles in the dirty areas.
This is not the Mammoth’s splashiest move of late, but it should solidify its forward depth and age beautifully.
