The New Jersey Devils have signed Utah Mammoth forward Barrett Hayton to a one-year offer sheet worth $4.775 million, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet (@FriedgeHNIC).
Under the terms of the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement, the Mammoth now have seven days to decide whether to match the offer and retain the restricted free agent. If Utah chooses not to match the $4.775 million salary, the Devils will send a second-round draft pick to Utah as compensation for the signing.
Hayton, 24, has been a core young piece for the franchise through its transition from Arizona to Utah. The center is a former top-five overall pick known for his two-way play and high ceiling. Last season, he recorded 10 points in 33 games during a campaign hampered by injury, but he remains a high-priority asset for the Mammoth front office.
This move represents a significant aggressive play by New Jersey to bolster their forward depth. If the offer is not matched, Hayton would join a talented Devils core that includes Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. This is a rare instance of an NHL team utilizing the offer sheet mechanism to acquire young talent from a rival club.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Sources & Original Reporting
