Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
- Utah Mammoth signs prospects Dmitri Simashev and Daniil But to three-year contracts.
- Both were top picks in the 2023 NHL Draft and played in KHL.
- Simashev and But bring size and potential to Utah's promising young core.
SALT LAKE CITY — Some prized prospects are heading to Utah.
The Utah Mammoth announced Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Dmitri Simashev and forward Daniil But to three-year, entry-level contracts.
Both players were high first-round picks in the 2023 NHL draft — Simashev went sixth overall, and But was selected 12th. The duo has been playing in the Kontinental Hockey League, even helping Lokomotiv Yaroslavl win the Gagarin Cup earlier this month.
Simashev and But have played together on Lokomotiv since 2022, and they share more than just team chemistry — both bring imposing size. Simashev stands at 6-foot-5, while But measures 6-foot-6.
They now join a promising young core of former first-rounders in Utah, which includes Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Maveric Lamoureux.
Simashev, 20, recorded one goal and five assists in 56 games this past season. The Russian defenseman will also have a natural mentor as he transitions to the NHL: Utah's top defenseman Mikhail Sergachev.
"I'll do my best to help him out," Sergachev said. "And that goes for the guys that I'm not a role model for. I'll do my best to help the guys because I want the best outcome for us. If I can help, I'll help."
Utah's blue line is fairly established with Sergachev, John Marino, Sean Durzi, Olli Määttä, Michael Kesselring, and Ian Cole all expected to return. Still, Simashev could create internal competition, much like Lamoureux did at times last season.
"We are thrilled to sign Dmitri to an NHL contract," general manager Bill Armstrong said. "Dmitri has established himself as one of the top defense prospects in the NHL, and we look forward to watching him play for the Mammoth for many years to come."
As for But, he could help fill a need the Mammoth had in their inaugural season: size up front. If he makes the roster, But would be the tallest forward on the team.
The 20-year-old winger posted 28 points (nine goals, 19 assists) in 54 games during Lokomotiv's championship run.
"We are very pleased to sign Daniil to an NHL contract," Armstrong added. "Daniil is a highly skilled forward with a great shot and strong playmaking ability. He's coming off a career season, and we're excited to see him in a Mammoth sweater."
