Mammoth sign defenseman John Marino to 8-year, $54M extension

The Utah Mammoth secured a major part of their defensive core today by signing John Marino to an eight-year, $54 million contract extension. The deal keeps the 29-year-old defenseman in Utah through the coming seasons at an average annual value of $6.75 million.

General manager Bill Armstrong identified Marino as a foundational piece for the franchise. The front office prioritizes his ability to manage the back end, handle transitions, and maintain composure in high-pressure game situations. These traits are expected to anchor the defensive rotation alongside Mikhail Sergachev and MacKenzie Weegar.

Marino arrived in Utah via a 2024 trade and became a consistent presence on the ice. During the 2025-26 campaign, he logged over 20 minutes of ice time per game across 80 appearances, contributing to the team's first postseason appearance since the franchise relocation. His veteran presence proved critical during their playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The extension marks another move in an active offseason for Utah. The club aims to challenge the Western Conference power structure through strategic acquisitions. Alongside the Marino signing, the team recently added center Vincent Trocheck and winger Anders Lee to bolster their lineup. Goaltending depth also saw an update with the arrival of Sebastian Cossa, who will work alongside Karel Vejmelka as the team looks toward the next season.

With this signing, the Mammoth now have eight players locked into contracts spanning more than three years. The team strategy remains focused on maintaining stability while adding pieces capable of immediate impact on the ice.