NHL’s Top Scorer “Not Even Close” on Contract with Mammoth

Nick Schmaltz is off to a sizzling start this season, leading the NHL with 16 points in 10 games, but his contract situation with the Utah Mammoth is an interesting topic of conversation. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the situation on the 32 Thoughts podcast, noting that the team and Schmaltz are far apart in negotiations.

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Specifically, Friedman reported, “I heard that, like, the two sides weren’t even close. He’s a UFA after this year, and I just heard that; however, things went there, they weren’t even close.”

Schmaltz is coming off a long-term deal, and the Mammoth sees his value but hasn’t been able to bridge the gap with the player. He’s an older player, so it’s not like the team is ready to invest the kind of money they would in a Logan Cooley, or did with a Dylan Guenther. Schmaltz likely isn’t thrilled about it, but Friedman added, “…there’s only one thing that Schmaltz can do, and that’s play.”

Schmaltz is a Big Part of What the Mammoth Are Building

At 29, Schmaltz’s experience and production make him an essential part of Utah’s offensive core. The Mammoth, who have surged early in the season with a high-powered attack and a fun team to watch, face a tough decision: work toward a deal before he hits free agency, risk losing him, or potentially explore trade options if the sides remain apart.

With Utah off to a strong start, the stakes are high for both the team and the forward, making this one of the league’s most interesting, but perhaps under-the-radar contract stories.

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