The Utah Hockey Club made a significant move by re-signing forward Barrett Hayton to a two-year contract worth $5.3 million. This deal, which includes an annual salary cap hit of $2.65 million, will keep Hayton with the team through the 2025-26 season. As a restricted free agent, the 24-year-old center brings a valuable two-way playing style to the team, excelling in the faceoff circle and providing a strong presence in the middle of the ice alongside the club’s skilled forwards.
General manager Bill Armstrong expressed his excitement about the re-signing, highlighting Hayton’s contributions to the team both on and off the ice. The fifth overall pick in the 2018 draft, Hayton has amassed 84 points in 201 career NHL games since his debut in 2019. However, injuries limited his playing time last season to just 33 games, during which he recorded three goals and seven assists.
The upcoming NHL season will mark a historic moment for the state of Utah, as the Utah Hockey Club is set to play its first regular-season game on Oct. 8 against the Chicago team. This milestone comes after Ryan Smith’s Smith Entertainment Group acquired the team earlier this year from former owner Alex Meruelo and relocated it to Salt Lake City.
With the re-signing of Barrett Hayton and the anticipation surrounding the team’s debut game in Utah, fans have much to look forward to in the upcoming season. Hayton’s return provides stability and depth to the roster, while the transition to a new home city signifies a fresh start and exciting opportunities for the Utah Hockey Club. As the team prepares to hit the ice for the first time in Salt Lake City, the stage is set for a new chapter in Utah’s hockey history.