The New Jersey Devils have weaponized the NHL's restricted free agency rules to poach center depth from the Utah Mammoth. On Wednesday evening, the Devils announced they have tendered a one-year, $4.775 million offer sheet to 26-year-old restricted free agent Barrett Hayton.
The offer sheet is for one year at a $4.775 million cap hit, which means the Mammoth would receive New Jersey’s own 2027 second-round pick as compensation if they choose not to match. Utah has seven days to decide whether to keep Hayton or take the draft pick.
Seems like a perplexing #njdevils offer sheet for Mammoth forward Barrett Hayton.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 1, 2026
There is no real cap crunch and a 1-year deal at $4.775 source confirms it is an easy match.
Utah has seven days to decide. Question becomes: Would #TusksUp trade Hayton for a 2nd otherwise? 🤷♂️
While Hayton struggled with consistency last year—posting just 10 goals and 15 assists for 25 points in 67 games—his underlying two-way metrics remain highly encouraging. When healthy, the former fifth-overall pick is a highly dependable defensive center who generates chances and drives possession at even strength. Hayton made his NHL debut with the Coyotes in 2019-20 and ultimately appeared in parts of five seasons with the club before its relocation to Utah in 2024. He set career-best marks with 20 goals and 46 points in 82 games with the Utah Hockey Club in 2024-25.