Mammoth Commit to Long‑Term Defensive Anchor
The Utah Mammoth announced Tuesday that they have secured defenseman John Marino to an eight‑year contract extension that will pay $6.75 million per season against the cap. The deal, which runs through the 2033‑34 campaign, marks one of the most substantial long‑term commitments in franchise history.
General manager Bill Armstrong said the agreement underscores the club’s belief that Marino is a foundational piece for the organization’s future, while president of hockey operations Chris Armstrong highlighted his professionalism, competitiveness and puck‑moving ability as qualities that align with the team’s culture.
Marino’s impact was evident during the 2025‑26 season, his most productive year to date. He recorded 4 goals, 32 assists and 36 points in 80 games, setting new personal bests in assists, points and game‑winning goals. The blue‑liner also contributed a career‑high plus/minus rating of +42, ranking second among all NHL defensemen.
His offensive surge helped the Mammoth advance to the Western Conference First Round, where he logged his first career Stanley Cup Playoff goal in Game 2 against the Vegas Golden Knights. The performance capped a season that saw him rank among the league’s top defensive producers.
Beyond the latest contract, Marino’s résumé includes three collegiate seasons at Harvard University (2016‑19), where he earned All‑Ivy League Second Team honors as a freshman. The Edmonton Oilers drafted him in the sixth round of the 2015 NHL Draft, and he previously spent time with the New Jersey Devils before arriving in Utah via a trade on June 29, 2024.