Utah Mammoth defenseman John Marino (6) looks on during an NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, March 20, 2026 (Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News).
(Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Before entering the final year of his current contract, the Utah Mammoth announced on Tuesday that they have signed 29-year-old defenseman John Marino to an eight-year, $6.75M AAV contract extension.
Official.
Utah has signed John Marino to an eight-year contract extension. https://t.co/HJCxEca9Qq
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 21, 2026
The 2025-26 season was a career-year for Marino across the board.
In addition to career-highs in assists (32) and points (36), No. 6 also led the team in plus/minus (+42) as he and Nate Schmidt were one of the best defensive pairings in the NHL.
Notably, his +29-goal differential alongside Schmidt at 5-on-5 was the highest such mark of any defensive pairing last season.
Johnny off the boards!!! 🔥
🚨2-0, Utah! pic.twitter.com/EvERGtxnJ2
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) January 8, 2026
For his efforts, Utah rewarded the experienced defenseman with a max-term deal to lock down one of the foundational pieces of their blue line.
“We view John as a foundational piece of our future,” said Bill Armstrong, general manager of the Utah Mammoth. “His ability to control the game from the back end, his play in transition and our trust in him to make the right decisions in critical situations allows him to be a difference maker on most nights.”
“Beyond his skill, John brings a level of calmness under pressure that our group feeds off of and that’s exactly what you need from your veteran players.”
According to PuckPedia, Marino’s contract features a no-movement clause through year one, a no-trade clause in seasons two through four, a 16-team no-trade clause in years five and six and then an eight-team no-trade clause over the final two seasons.
“The NHL is changing,” Armstrong added. “If you can find the right player & be able to bring them back on an eight-year deal & you believe in the player…it’s really effective.”
“With Johnny, he fits right into that category.”
Armstrong explains why they signed Marino to 8 years:
“The NHL is changing…if you can find the right player & be able to bring them back on an eight year deal & you believe in the player…it’s really effective.”
“With Johnny, he fits right into that category.” pic.twitter.com/SeZurEm3kl
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 21, 2026
Marino’s new contract will see him through the 2034-35 season.
