Utah Mammoth’s 2025-26 Report Cards: Daniil But

Despite being placed on the third line during January, But’s ice time gently increased from the 11 minutes he started his NHL call up with. At times, he found himself playing above 14 minutes a night. With that, he improved every game. But became more of a physical player, battling with Matt Rempe during a game against the New York Rangers, and using his height to win puck battles along the boards.

But’s first multipoint game came against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he got his third NHL goal and another assist. However, it became clear that by the end of January, a return to the AHL was what But needed. The opportunity to play on the Roadrunners’ top line rather than be healthy scratched was a valuable one, which is what happened at some points due to the Mammoth trying to ice the best lineup available to make the playoffs.

At the beginning of February, that’s exactly what happened. Right before the Mammoth’s final game before the Olympic break, But was sent back down to the Roadrunners. With all the injuries the team had, it was a blessing in disguise. The Roadrunners felt an impact almost immediately. But had three points in his first four games back in the AHL, including a goal in his second game.

The other good thing about But going back down to Tucson was the opportunity to be reunited with Simashev. The two hadn’t played on the same team in North America after the preseason. When But was down in the AHL, Simashev was with the Mammoth in the NHL. The two switched places in December. It gave the two more comfort having more than just one player who spoke Russian (Artem Duda) around.

But resumed a spot alongside Kevin Rooney in the lineup, a guy who had closely mentored him when he was previously in Tucson earlier in the season. He had his first multi-goal game since November to begin March against the San Jose Barracuda and continued to look like an anomaly on the ice, along with Simashev, looking like a standout player in every game. But had the speed and the moves that clearly made him stand out like a top prospect for the Mammoth.

In the AHL, But was often playing at least seven minutes more than he was in the NHL. A four-point outing against the Barracuda in the middle of March proved his effectiveness for the Roadrunners as they continued pushing for a playoff spot. 

Towards the end of March, But was recalled by the Mammoth for the second time this season. He appeared in his first NHL game since January on the second line with Cooley and Guenther. However, But only played nine minutes in the game against the Washington Capitals and was sent back down to the Roadrunners after being healthy scratched in the Mammoth’s game against the Los Angeles Kings.

But finished out the season in the AHL, producing 11 points in his first 10 games. He had five goals in that stretch and finished out his season on a three-game point streak. But didn’t play in the Roadrunners’ final two games of the season due to a recall from the Mammoth. Yet, he didn’t play any other NHL games in the season and didn’t make an appearance in the six-game series against the Golden Knights.

The Future

Perhaps But’s NHL stats don’t show it, but over the course of this season, he grew a lot from how he was playing at rookie camp. Obviously, his height has helped him adjust at a faster rate, but there’s so much more that has grown with his game.

When But first started playing in the AHL, at times, he looked confused. At times, he tried doing too much. It happened when he first got to the NHL level as well. As time went on, he got more comfortable. But utilized his speed more and started making unbelievable moves to get around defenders and to the net. He also became less afraid to use his body, something both he and Simashev needed to do.

Despite spending half of the season in the NHL, But ended up fifth in points on the Roadrunners. He was tied for eighth in the whole AHL in goals by a rookie with 19. He found offensive consistency in the AHL.

That’s something he has not found in the NHL yet. Yes, But has never been as productive as guys like Tij Iginla or Caleb Desnoyers, but he proved in the AHL this season that he potentially can be. Being in the NHL is a hard gig, and seven points in 29 games for a rookie season isn’t bad, but But knows he has to be and can be better next season.

It brings us to the question, should But start next season in the NHL? It obviously depends on what the Mammoth do this offseason, but the answer ultimately should be no. Starting the year in the AHL paid off dividends for But this season. It could ultimately do it again next season. Playing in a top six with guys like Desnoyers, Iginla, and Cole Beaudoin on what should be a competitive team could pay off for his development and potential permanent spot in the NHL in the top six.

Eventually, by the end of next season, But deserves to be in the NHL and should be, depending on how he keeps developing. However, one more season in the AHL should really help the Russian forward. Don’t be surprised if he wins a permanent spot in the NHL by the end of the season.

Overall Grade

It was a solid first year in North America for But. At the AHL level, he adjusted quickly and dominated. At the NHL level, it took a second, but he improved after each call-up. While there’s still a lot of room to improve going into his second season, there are a lot of things to be happy about with But’s game.

Overall, But is getting a B for his season. The forward took another step forward in his development and was the Roadrunners’ best player every time he was down in the AHL. While he’s not full-time NHL-ready yet, the expectation is that he should be very soon, and he might bring along more offense than previously expected when he was drafted.

Next season should be an interesting one for But. The main area for improvement for him should be his overall defensive game. A 39-point player in 41 games shouldn’t be a plus-one in the plus-minus stat line. Becoming offensively consistent in the NHL is another thing that needs to get better. However, if But works just as hard as he usually works, both of those things should gradually improve over the course of next season.