Utah Mammoth Signs Veteran Right-Handed Defenseman Ahead of Next Season

The Utah Mammoth have gotten a head start on their summer activities, signing right-handed defenseman Nick DeSimone to a 1-year contract extension.

The Utah Mammoth have lots of work this summer ahead of them as they look to make improvements to their roster to try and return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2020 when they were known as the Arizona Coyotes.

But before the real fun begins in NHL free agency, the club has taken care of one of its pending free agent players.

Defenseman Nick DeSimone has been re-signed to a 1-year contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $800,000.

Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong said he was happy to have him back for another year with the club, touting his influence on the team's younger players.

We are very pleased to have Nick return to the Mammoth. Nick adds a veteran presence to our blue line and is a good role model for our young team. He skates well, competes hard, and moves the puck effectively. We are excited to have him on our roster.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Jose Sharks, DeSimone played several years for their AHL affiliate San Jose Bararcuda, after playing at Union College.

Later, he would be traded to the Vegas Golden Knights; his playing rights were later swapped to the New York Rangers. Unable to agree on a new contract in New York, he signed instead with the Calgary Flames.

Eventually waived, he was claimed by the New Jersey Devils. Once again waived shortly into his tenure in New Jersey, he was claimed by Utah in January 2025.

He has 13 points (3G, 10A) in 58 career NHL games with the Flames, Devils, and Mammoth.