Utah HC sign Ben McCartney to a one-year, two-way extension

Utah Hockey Club have signed forward Ben McCartney to a one-year, two-extension. The deal pays McCartney $775,000 at the NHL level and $100,000 in the minors. He’ll be a restricted free agent when the deal expires next summer.

McCartney, who turns 23 in the near future, was a former seventh-round draft pick of the Arizona Coyotes and spent the 2023-24 season with the American Hockey League’s Tucson Roadrunners, where he was an assistant captain. McCartney posted six goals and 22 points in 46 games, and also collected 46 penalty minutes.

The Portage la Prairie native enjoyed some NHL action back in 2021-22 with the Coyotes franchise, however did not record a point in his two appearances. He’ll look to make an impression at training camp and try and win a depth role in Utah. The 6-foot forward is known for having soft hands, an underrated back-hand and he’ll be trying to use his tenacity on the forecheck to turn heads in Utah next season.

General manager Bill Armstrong takes care of some internal business and buys one year of McCartney’s restricted free-agent years, meanwhile look for Armstrong to be very active this summer on the unrestricted free-agent market. Owner Ryan Smith has very deep pockets and there’s a much different direction coming with the franchise, allowing for Armstrong to spend to the salary cap.

The Coyotes finished their last season in Arizona posting a 36-41-5 record and look to take a giant leap forward in their inaugural season in Utah.