Logan Cooley has officially signed an eight-year contract extension worth $80 million with the Utah Mammoth, a significant commitment that reflects both his potential and the franchise’s confidence in its future. This deal comes as Cooley’s entry-level contract nears its expiration at the end of the 2025-26 season, marking a pivotal moment for the 21-year-old center.
The negotiations for the extension began in August 2024, with Bill Armstrong, General Manager of the Mammoth, describing the discussions as both cordial and challenging. As the Mammoth started the season with a strong 5-2-0 record, Cooley’s performance initially fell short of expectations, registering two goals and one assist in the first seven games. Yet, the anticipation surrounding his potential remained high.
On October 22, 2024, following a game against the Colorado Avalanche, a meeting was convened in the suite of Mammoth owner Ryan Smith. By this time, a preliminary agreement was shaping up—an eight-year deal with an annual salary of $10 million, which would become the third-largest contract for a player transitioning from an entry-level deal. Despite the framework being in place, Cooley needed time to process the magnitude of the commitment.
Smith approached the conversation with a focus on Cooley’s well-being, urging him to appreciate the journey that had brought him to this point. “No matter where this ends up, if you go back to your 13-year-old self, you’ve been betting on yourself,” Smith said. This perspective resonated with Cooley, who acknowledged the weight of the decision and the significance of the moment.
Cooley’s journey to this point has been shaped by his upbringing in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, where he developed a love for hockey through programs initiated by NHL star Sidney Crosby. Drafted third overall in 2022, Cooley quickly made a name for himself, playing all 82 games in the 2023-24 season and scoring 20 goals.
The Mammoth, led by Smith, have undergone a transformation since moving to Utah. Following a tumultuous period under previous ownership, Smith acquired the franchise for $1.2 billion in April 2024. He has since made significant investments, including the renovation of the Delta Center and the establishment of a state-of-the-art practice facility.
Cooley’s extension is a testament to the franchise’s commitment to building a competitive team. The Mammoth’s core now includes talented players such as Clayton Keller, Mikhail Sergachev, and Karel Vejmelka, all signed through at least the 2027-28 season. The organization is focused on fostering a culture of success and camaraderie among its young players.
As Cooley embarked on a four-game road trip following the signing, he felt a newfound sense of freedom, allowing him to focus on his performance. The very next game, he assisted on a goal and then scored a natural hat trick against the St. Louis Blues. His performance has been pivotal in driving the Mammoth toward a promising playoff position.
“I think he was really comfortable leaving that meeting,” Armstrong noted, observing a shift in Cooley’s mindset. “You could see it in him.” With the Mammoth’s trajectory looking bright, Cooley is poised to play a central role in the team’s success, embodying the ambition and talent that the franchise represents.
