The Utah Mammoth announced today that they signed top prospects Dmitri Simashev and Daniil But to three-year, entry-level contracts. This is an important step in the Mammoth rebuild, as the team hopes to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history next season. The two are at the top of the Utah pipeline and will look to make some noise at training camp. If Simashev and But impress, they could potentially earn roster spots. Both players were selected in the first round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft by the Arizona Coyotes. Simashev went sixth overall, while But was taken 12th overall. 

Utah Mammoth Sign Simashev and But to First NHL Contracts

Simashev and But know each other very well, having played together on the same team in the KHL, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. The two 20-year-olds helped their team win the Gagarin Cup, which is awarded to the league’s champion. This was the first time Lokomotiv won the KHL playoffs. They will continue their careers together in Utah.

Prior to joining the KHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, Simashev spent several seasons in the MHL, Russia’s premier junior league, playing for Loko Yaroslavl. The talented 6-foot-5 defenceman made his KHL debut with Lokomotiv during the 2022-23 season. Although he has not been a standout offensively, his size, defensive abilities, and strong skating are reasons why he went high in the draft. After the draft, Simashev returned to Lokomotiv, where his recent play continued. He recorded six points and 54 blocks in 56 games with Lokomotiv this season.

A мамонт signing ✍️!

We’ve signed defenseman Dmitri Simashev to a three-year, entry-level contract!

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— Utah Mammoth (@utahhockeyclub) May 28, 2025

But is a winger from Yaroslavl, Russia. Before moving up to the KHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, the young forward spent several seasons with Loko Yaroslavl in the MHL, Russia’s top junior league. He made his KHL debut with Lokomotiv during the 2022-23 season. In addition to his exceptional finishing ability, But’s standout 6-foot-6 size was a major factor in Arizona selecting him. After the draft, he went back to Lokomotiv, where he remained for the past few seasons. But recorded 28 points in 54 games in the KHL this season.

Main Photo: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

It’s official 👏

Forward Daniil But has been signed to a three-year, entry-level contract.

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— Utah Mammoth (@utahhockeyclub) May 28, 2025