Michael Carcone #53 of the Utah Mammoth celebrates his goal during the third period of the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center on January 29, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Amidst a tremendous season for Michael Carcone, the Utah Mammoth announced on Friday morning that they have officially signed the 29-year-old forward to a two-year, $1.75M AAV contract extension.
BREAKING: The Utah Mammoth have signed forward Michael Carcone to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value (AAV) of $1.75 million.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) March 20, 2026
It’s funny the difference a year can make, eh?
Roughly 12 months ago, Carcone announced during exit interviews that he would not be returning to Salt Lake City as he and the front office failed to see eye to eye on any potential extension.
“I love the guys in there, great group. I don’t think that’s going to be the answer, though. I don’t think we’re going to agree on anything. I spoke to the coaching staff and management, and I think we’re going to go in different directions,” Carcone said during exit interviews.
However, following a timely breakfast in Toronto with General Manager Bill Armstrong after struggling to find a new home in free agency, Utah’s GM had seen the necessary growth and change to bring him back for another year.
“It’s funny how things work, eh? Just a year later. I had some growing to do,” Carcone said in regard to his actions during exit interviews last season. “I’ll take responsibility for that & I’m just happy that it all worked out & I got a second chance.”
“I was in Toronto, going to see the boys for a little breakfast. I was going to see Tanev and Durzi. I don’t know if it was a planned thing, but Michael happened to be there that day and we had breakfast,” Armstrong added.
“I felt like he had grown up and taken some steps…there was something that had changed in that moment for us. I’m so glad we ran into each other.”
Eventually swallowing his pride and signing a one-year veteran minimum, No. 53 has since demonstrated significant growth on and off the ice.
Currently on pace for a career-best 31 points, the veteran forward has registered 14 goals and 12 assists in 66 appearances this season which makes him one of the cost-effective players (non-ELC) in the NHL at roughly $31K per point.
Cost per point leaders (non ELC):
1. Darren Raddysh – $17K
2. Marcus Johansson – $20K
3. Jackson LaCombe – $20K
4. Linus Karlsson – $28K
5. Justin Sourdif – $28K
6. Michael Carcone – $31K
7. Mavrik Bourque – $32K
8. Parker Kelly – $32K
9. Ethen Frank – $32K
10. Marat…— NHL Rosters (@NHL_Rosters) March 14, 2026
“I always like guys that have got a little extra fight,” Armstrong said. “We fell in love with him, coach fell in love with him & he found a role.”
After signing him for less than $2M AAV, the Mammoth will continue to get great value from Carcone as he rounds out their third line with speed, tenacity, grit, consistency, and absolutely no fear.
“Since we’ve gotten here, the community has been amazing to my family. So, it was kind of a no-brainer and obviously, when you get to the hockey side of things, we have a great group in here and great people,” Carcone said.
“That was a pretty easy one for me.”
Upon signing the new contract, Carcone will remain in Utah through the 2027-28 season.
The Utah Mammoth will begin a four game homestand against the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night at 8 p.m. MT.
The game will be available on Mammoth+.
All Mammoth games will also be broadcast live on the KSL Sports Zone (97.5 FM/1280 AM).
