Utah Mammoth Match Devils' Offer Sheet for Barrett Hayton

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 9, 2026

The Utah Mammoth matched a $4.775 million offer sheet from the New Jersey Devils to keep center Barrett Hayton for the next season, avoiding a second-round draft pick compensation. Meanwhile, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard will miss the start of the season due to shoulder surgery, with an expected recovery time of around four months.

The Utah Mammoth have matched an offer sheet from the New Jersey Devils to retain center Barrett Hayton, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $4.775 million for the upcoming season. Hayton, 26, is coming off a campaign in which he recorded 25 points over 67 regular-season games.

By matching New Jersey’s offer, Utah prevented the Devils from acquiring Hayton and surrendered a 2027 second-round draft pick that would have been owed as compensation had they declined. This strategy mirrors recent moves in the league involving restricted free agents, such as Philadelphia’s decision to sign Leo Carlsson to a $90 million offer sheet from Anaheim.

Separately, Chicago Blackhawks center Connor Bedard will begin the season sidelined after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder. Team physician Michael Terry reported that Bedard is expected to fully recover within approximately four months. While the NHL has yet to release its regular-season schedule, the Blackhawks commenced last season’s campaign on October 7.

These developments reflect ongoing roster adjustments as NHL teams prepare for the upcoming season.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.