In a move that signals stability and a commitment to established talent, veteran forward Michael Carcone has officially signed a one-year contract extension with the newly rebranded Utah Mammoth. This re-signing, confirmed on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, ensures that a familiar, hard-working presence will remain with the franchise as it continues its transition and solidifies its identity in the Utah market.
A Tenacious Talent Stays in Utah
Carcone, at 29 years old, has become a known quantity within the Arizona/Utah organization over the past four years. His journey to the National Hockey League is a testament to perseverance: an undrafted free agent, he navigated affiliations with organizations such as Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Nashville before ultimately making his NHL debut with Arizona during the 2021-22 season.
His performance over the past two seasons offers a clear picture of his capabilities. During the 2023-24 campaign, Carcone enjoyed a career-best season, demonstrating a significant offensive uptick by burying 21 goals, all while maintaining an average of just over 11 minutes of ice time per game. This efficiency underscored his ability to capitalize on limited opportunities. In the more recent 2024-25 season, he continued to contribute, registering seven goals and 19 points through 53 games.
The “Mammoth” Identity: A Fit for Carcone`s Game
The transition from the Arizona Coyotes to the Utah Mammoth represents more than just a name change; it`s an opportunity to forge a new team identity. The moniker “Mammoth” evokes images of strength, resilience, and an imposing presence—qualities that align remarkably well with Carcone`s on-ice style. He is a player known for his tenacious forecheck, willingness to engage physically, and an unwavering commitment to driving to the net. While not always the flashiest player, his consistent effort and ability to disrupt opponents make him a valuable asset in a bottom-six role.
For a team looking to establish a robust and competitive image, retaining players like Carcone is crucial. His blue-collar work ethic and proven ability to contribute offensively, even in limited minutes, provide a tangible example of the grit and determination the Mammoth will undoubtedly want to embody in their new era. There`s a subtle irony in an undrafted player, often an underdog, becoming a foundational piece for a franchise seeking to make a monumental impact.
Strategic Re-Signing for a Budding Franchise
The one-year contract offers mutual benefits for both Carcone and the Utah Mammoth. For the player, it provides a degree of security while also setting up another “prove-it” year, allowing him to demonstrate continued value and potentially earn a longer-term deal in the future. For the organization, a one-year term offers significant flexibility. It`s a low-risk commitment that ensures a known quantity remains on the roster while the team`s long-term composition continues to take shape. As the Mammoth build out their roster and explore future opportunities, having reliable, versatile depth players like Carcone is essential.
Depth signings are often overlooked in the fanfare of blockbuster trades or high-profile free agent acquisitions, yet they are the bedrock upon which successful NHL teams are built. Players like Carcone provide essential energy, penalty-killing capabilities, and crucial secondary scoring that can make the difference over a grueling 82-game season.
As the Utah Mammoth embark on this new chapter, Michael Carcone`s re-signing stands as a pragmatic and effective step in constructing a competitive and resilient roster. It`s a clear signal that the organization values his contributions and sees him as an integral part of their evolving identity, ready to tackle the mammoth task ahead.
Ellis Thorne 
Percy Harlow