Just under a year ago, Michael Carcone was concluding a season far below his expectations. After netting 21 goals in the 2023-24 season, the forward’s production significantly dropped to just seven goals in 2024-25. His playing time was also reduced, participating in only 53 games compared to the previous 74.
Both Carcone and the team recognized that his performance was capable of much more. Yet, it appeared his future with the Utah Mammoth was uncertain. During his exit interviews, Carcone expressed a desire for increased ice time, emphasizing his past achievement as a 20-goal scorer in the NHL as justification. Subsequently, he declared his intention to depart the team during free agency.
Carcone stated, “I love the guys, they’re a great group.” However, he added, “I don’t think that’s going to be the answer, though. I don’t think we’re going to agree on anything. I spoke to the coaching staff and management, and I think we’re going to go in a different direction.”
Remarkably, just 15 days into free agency, Carcone executed a complete turnaround, re-signing with the Utah Mammoth on a one-year contract. This decision was particularly unexpected given his public declaration that he wouldn’t return. With a wave of new prospects emerging from the Mammoth’s system, it was widely assumed Carcone would be relegated to a rotational role among depth forwards, not playing regularly.
Fast forward a year, Carcone has not only solidified his position as a crucial asset for the Mammoth but has also evolved into a more versatile, three-dimensional player compared to his 2023-24 season. Beyond the rink, he has made significant contributions to the community, passionately advocating for a cause dear to him. These accomplishments have culminated in a contract extension, securing his presence in Salt Lake City for an additional two seasons.
Only a few months prior, such a development seemed improbable, as Carcone himself doubted his future with the Mammoth the previous summer. While a stellar season certainly shifted the perception, it was ultimately a pivotal breakfast meeting with General Manager Bill Armstrong that paved the way for this extension.
A Morning Meal with Bill Armstrong
During the free agency period last summer, Armstrong traveled to Toronto for a breakfast meeting with Sean Durzi and new signing Brandon Tanev. He was taken aback to find the un-signed Carcone joining them, particularly in light of the circumstances that had unfolded at the close of April.
Armstrong engaged in conversation with Carcone and was struck by the significant growth in the forward’s maturity. A subsequent brief discussion with Head Coach André Tourigny dramatically altered the course of Carcone’s tenure with the Mammoth.
Armstrong recounted the breakfast, saying, “We had breakfast, and I felt like he had grown up, and that he had taken some steps, and I felt like there was something good about that breakfast that we had. I felt like there was some goodness that was going to come out of it. I called coach on the way home and had a chat with him about it. There was something that changed in that moment for us. I’m so glad we ran into each other, and we’re able to get that done. He’s a big component of our team.”
It came as no surprise that Tourigny supported Carcone during his conversation with Armstrong. Despite the events of the previous summer, the two have maintained a strong relationship. Upon his return to Utah, Carcone prominently mentioned Tourigny first in his press conference. This is understandable, as it was the coach who initially provided him with his NHL opportunity following five seasons distributed across four American Hockey League (AHL) teams.
Despite their positive rapport, Carcone does not receive preferential treatment. Indeed, he was a healthy scratch for the season openers in both of the last two seasons. However, this frankness is precisely what Tourigny values in Carcone; they can engage in honest and challenging discussions, as Carcone is receptive to criticism and seeks direct feedback.
Tourigny remarked, “We had a hard conversation, tough conversation, as much as we had hard conversations in his first couple years to last year, at the end of the season and even this year.” He added, “It’s the beauty with Carcs (Carcone). It’s always an honest conversation. There’s no BS, there’s no gray, it’s black and white. He can take it, and he can give it, and he has a lot of character.”
Carcone embodies the spirit of a “blue-collar” NHL player, his journey to the league far from straightforward. Undrafted, he carved his path to professional hockey through a notable career in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), highlighted by an 89-point season. Following this, as previously noted, Carcone spent five seasons playing for four different AHL teams.
Carcone first caught Armstrong’s attention during the 2020-21 season, a unique circumstance born from the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the Milwaukee Admirals opting out of the shortened season, Carcone was loaned to the Tucson Roadrunners, where he tallied 25 points in 35 games. This impressive performance prompted Armstrong to sign him to a two-year, two-way contract during free agency, marking the beginning of his impactful NHL career.
Armstrong expressed his admiration, stating, “I always like guys that have a little extra fight, somebody that’s had to work his way up. He’s fought for everything that he’s got.” He continued, “He came into this organization when another organization loaned him to us, and we fell in love with him. Coach fell in love with him. He found a role…He’s kept the grittiness, kept the speed component, and he’s learned to play inside of structure. He’s a special player. He might not make $10 million, but what he brings every day is huge inside our locker room and for our team.”
Following the tumultuous events of the summer, Carcone was eager to validate Tourigny and Armstrong’s faith in him this season. He has successfully done so, accumulating 26 points in 68 games. Carcone’s performance has been exceptional, with his speed and relentless play acting as a significant catalyst for his line. His on-ice presence appears reenergized compared to the previous season.
Now with a contract extension, Carcone and his family finally enjoy a newfound sense of stability, for which they are immensely thankful. This new deal also secures nearly a million dollars more in earnings for the forward than his current season’s salary. It stands as a testament to Carcone’s significant maturation, enabling him to earn both this financial reward and long-term security.
Connecting with Welles
Upon the Carcone family’s relocation to Utah, Michael’s wife, Mia, actively sought to establish local connections. Among those she contacted was Oakley Peterson, a local social media influencer who shares insights into her daily life with her son, Welles, who has Down Syndrome. The two families arranged a pizza lunch last year to become acquainted.
That initial lunch unexpectedly sparked a lasting friendship between Carcone and Welles. Last season, Welles attended a game alongside Carcone. This season, their joint gameday experience reached new heights.
Welles again joined Carcone for a game, making their entrance together. On this occasion, they were accompanied by four of Welles’ friends to commemorate World Down Syndrome Day.
A highlight of their arrival was the custom-designed socks created for the event, a collaboration between the NHL and NHLPA. These unique socks featured Welles’ handwritten name, Carcone’s signature and number, and colored lines symbolizing their friendship. The phrase “Better Together” adorned the area above the toes. Mia played a significant role in the sock’s design, leveraging her bond with Welles. This initiative served as a straightforward yet impactful method for the pair to promote Down Syndrome awareness.
Wearing mismatched, colorful socks is a widely recognized symbol for World Down Syndrome Day. Alongside Carcone, Charlie McAvoy, Dylan Larkin, and Frédérick Gaudreau were the three other players who had custom socks created to celebrate the day.
Since acquiring the Mammoth, the Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) has prioritized active community engagement. Through initiatives like “Pay It Forward,” they’ve helped integrate Mammoth players into the fabric of the city. This demonstrates the players’ genuine humanity, a quality Armstrong greatly appreciates in his team.
Armstrong emphasized, “99% of hockey players are just unreal human beings, and the impact that they can have in this community is incredible, not only from having his boys on the ice, but stuff that our players believe in with their passion.” He continued, “They go out there, and they help out in the community, and they bring things to light in the community. There are so many things that they can do, and this, in particular, I know means a lot to Michael.”
Tourigny shares Armstrong’s perspective, viewing community involvement as a fundamental responsibility for professional athletes.
Tourigny articulated, “When you’re a professional athlete, one of your job descriptions is being a role model. For me, I firmly believe that it’s part of what your responsibility is. I think our guys take that to heart, and they do a great job, really proud of them…When you have an opportunity to have a platform and have an impact, I think it’s important you take the opportunity to change lives, help give hope, or raise awareness, whatever might be. I’m really proud of our guys taking that role to heart.”
Durzi, Alex Kerfoot, Liam O’Brien, and Lawson Crouse accompanied Carcone and Welles’ friends as they entered the Delta Center. Carcone noted that when he invited his teammates to participate in the event, their enthusiastic “yes” was met with wide smiles.
Carcone has experienced both triumphs and challenges on the ice. His hockey journey hasn’t been without its difficulties, particularly last season when he faced struggles and limited ice time. Nevertheless, encountering Welles consistently transforms any tough day into a positive one. Carcone describes Welles as the most optimistic and one of the most influential individuals he has ever encountered.
Carcone shared, “When you leave the rink, let’s say you had a hard day. You go see Welles, and he’s always smiling, and he’s always having a good day. It’s somebody who brightens your day, honestly, and I’m just happy that I get to share even a little bit of time with him at the rink.”
Securing Carcone’s re-signing is a definitive win for the Mammoth. The forward has been instrumental in transforming the bottom six lines into a formidable strength this season, a stark contrast to their struggles last year. His energetic, swift, and physical style of play is a crucial asset for the Mammoth as they aim for a playoff berth and potentially a deep run. Moreover, his dedicated community involvement has also garnered significant appreciation.
For Armstrong, this contract represents a source of immense pride. He has witnessed Carcone’s development from an AHL player into a significant NHL presence. Having signed Carcone to his initial NHL contract, Armstrong now extends his largest career deal, marking a truly special occasion for the general manager.
Armstrong declared, “We’re proud we got this contract done. His family has had a great impact with his two boys and his wife Mia, on this community, and they’re involved in it every single day, going to the rinks with their kids. It’s great to have that family-type atmosphere around our locker room, too, with the boys.”
This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for Carcone. Nearly a year ago, he was a free agent, having seemingly severed ties with the Mammoth organization. However, a casual breakfast meeting in July dramatically altered his trajectory, ultimately leading to the multi-year contract he recently secured.
The speed at which circumstances can change is remarkable. Carcone exemplified this through his performance, transforming from an outsider to a consistent, impactful player for the Mammoth. For the Carcone family, the decision to return to Utah was ultimately straightforward: a place where the coach and general manager have shown unwavering belief since his AHL loan, a supportive locker room, and a cherished friend who dispels any negativity.
Utah has now officially become home for Carcone, offering everything he desires and requires. From a period of frustration to achieving remarkable stability, Carcone has ascended to a peak in his professional hockey career, a culmination of immense effort. Following numerous seasons in the AHL and a persistent battle for NHL ice time, the long-awaited reward has arrived, making the entire journey unequivocally worthwhile for the forward.