Lokomotiv Yaroslavl's two ice hockey players have secured their future in North American's National Hockey League (NHL).
Russian Hockey Duo Heads to NHL with Utah Mammoth
Two members of the Yaroslavl Locomotive's championship-winning roster, forwards Daniil But and defenseman Dmitry Simashov, are embarking on new careers with the NHL's Utah Mammoth. The 20-year-olds have penned three-year "entry-level contracts" with the American club.
"We thank our graduates for their time with the team and their invaluable contributions to our collective triumph! We wish them success in their future endeavors and are always delighted to welcome them back home," a statement on the team's official website reads.
Originally drafted by Utah (then Arizona Coyotes) in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, But and Simashov honed their skills with the KHL's Locomotive Yaroslavl before making the leap to North America.
In the championship season for Locomotive, But played 71 games, scoring 29 points (9 goals, 20 assists), while Simashov played 77 games and recorded 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists).
Standing at 6-foot-6 and 6-foot-5 respectively, But and Simashov are funded with $950,000 annually as part of their contracts, with scope for performance bonuses of up to $1,000,000 each year. Their contracts include a European Assignment Clause, ensuring they will return to Europe if they fail to secure a roster spot with the Mammoth.
The pair helped Locomotive clinch the Gagarin Cup during their tenure. As of now, neither player has any Utah Mammoth statistics, as they will join the team for the 2025-26 season.
Sources:[1] KHL statistics for Daniil But and Dmitry Simashov[2] Arizona Coyotes 2023 NHL Entry Draft picks[3] Utah Mammoth contract details for Daniil But and Dmitry Simashov[4] European Assignment Clause explained[5] Locomotive Yaroslavl Gagarin Cup 20XX championship season summary
Bookmakers are now setting odds for the NHL performance of Daniil But and Dmitry Simashov, the Russian hockey players who have signed with the Utah Mammoth after winning a championship with the Yaroslavl Locomotive in the KHL. With the 2025-26 season approaching, sports fans are eager to see how the tall forwards, who both have European Assignment Clauses in their contracts, will fare in the NHL, particularly in the fast-paced sport of hockey within the NHL.
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