Logan Cooley has officially signed an eight-year contract extension worth $80 million with the Utah Mammoth, marking a significant milestone in his young career. The deal, which was finalized on October 22, 2023, represents one of the largest contracts ever for a player transitioning from an entry-level agreement. Cooley’s extension reflects both his rising star status in the NHL and the Mammoth’s commitment to building a competitive team.
The 21-year-old center, who was drafted third overall in 2022, became eligible for an extension as his entry-level contract was set to expire after the 2025-26 season. The Mammoth management was eager to secure Cooley long-term, aiming for the maximum allowable duration. General Manager Bill Armstrong noted that Cooley’s decision was significant, saying, “It was going to take a little bit of time for him to wrap his brain around it.”
As negotiations began in August, Cooley’s agents, Brian and Scott Bartlett, entered discussions with the Mammoth. The talks were described by Armstrong as cordial yet challenging, as both sides navigated the evolving landscape of the NHL’s salary cap, which is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. Despite the Mammoth’s strong start to the season with a record of 5-2-0, Cooley’s initial performance—two goals and one assist in the first seven games—did not reflect the expectations surrounding him.
After a slow start, Cooley and Mammoth owner Ryan Smith held a pivotal meeting on the eve of a crucial road trip. With a framework for an eight-year deal at $10 million per season in place, Smith encouraged Cooley to take a moment to reflect on his journey. “I said, ‘Can we just call a quick timeout and say, congrats?'” Smith recalled. This conversation helped Cooley shift his perspective, allowing him to see the opportunity ahead rather than the pressure of the contract.
Growing up in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, Cooley developed a passion for hockey early in life, inspired by programs like Sidney Crosby’s “Little Penguin Program.” His commitment to family and hard work paved the way for his ascension in the sport. After a standout career with the U.S. National Development Team and a season at the University of Minnesota, Cooley quickly made his mark in the NHL, playing all 82 games in his rookie season with the Arizona Coyotes.
In April 2024, the NHL underwent a significant change when the Coyotes were sold to Smith, who moved the franchise to Utah for $1.2 billion. Since then, the Mammoth organization has focused on creating a winning culture, investing in facilities and infrastructure. Smith has been instrumental in this transformation, overseeing renovations to the Delta Center and establishing a state-of-the-art practice complex.
As Cooley embarked on a four-game road trip following the contract signing, he felt liberated. “It allowed me to be free,” he said, reflecting on the weight lifted from his shoulders. His performance soon followed suit. In the game against the St. Louis Blues, Cooley assisted on a goal and then scored a natural hat trick within ten minutes. The momentum continued as he netted two more goals against the Minnesota Wild just days later.
With Cooley now the highest-paid player on the Mammoth roster, he is part of a promising core that includes fellow talents like Clayton Keller and Dylan Guenther, all of whom are under contract through at least 2027-28. The Mammoth are showing potential as a playoff contender, with Cooley asserting, “We’re playing the game we know how to play. We can be a top team in the league.”
The successful negotiation and subsequent performance highlight both Cooley’s talent and the Mammoth’s vision for the future. As the franchise begins to establish itself in Utah, securing a player of Cooley’s caliber signals a bright outlook for the organization.
