Nate Schmidt, the veteran defenseman and Stanley Cup Champion, has officially signed a new three-year contract worth $10.5 million with the Utah Mammoth. The deal, which averages a salary cap hit of $3.5 million, will extend through the end of the 2027-28 season.
The announcement was made by the Utah Mammoth via their social media platforms, expressing excitement over the addition of the experienced player to their roster.
The 33-year-old Schmidt has a rich history in the NHL, having played for teams including the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, and the Florida Panthers. In the last season, he scored five goals and provided 14 assists, tallying a total of 19 points over 80 games. His average ice time was recorded at 16 minutes and 32 seconds per game, showcasing his role in core defensive duties.
Over his career, Schmidt has accumulated 239 points from 52 goals and 187 assists across 741 games. He started his professional journey after being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Capitals, following a distinguished collegiate career at the University of Minnesota.
In collegiate hockey, Schmidt earned accolades such as being named to the WCHA first team in 2012-13, and he also represented the United States internationally, playing a part in Team USA’s campaign at the 2022 IIHF World Championships.
While Schmidt may not be known for high scoring, his tenure with the Florida Panthers last season—where he played a significant role in their Stanley Cup victory—demonstrated his value as a reliable defensive player. This signing could be a strategic move for the Utah Mammoth, as Schmidt’s defensive skills can greatly contribute to the team’s overall performance, potentially leading to future successes.
The outlook looks promising for both Schmidt and the Mammoth, as they look to build a competitive roster moving forward.