Veteran Defenceman Gets New Contract

Nate Schmidt Signed by the Utah Mammoth

Schmidt has played for the Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks and the Florida Panthers. The 33-year-old totalled five goals and 14 assists for 19 points in 80 games last campaign. He had an average ice time last season of 16 minutes and 32 seconds per game. Schmidt had a Corsi for of 59.1 and a relative Corsi of 4.6.

The St Cloud, Minnesota native has 52 goals and 187 assists for 239 points in 741 career games. Washington originally signed him as an undrafted free agent out of college. He had a standout career at the University of Minnesota in the NCAA before turning pro.

Schmidt made the WCHA first team in 2012-13 and was a second-team All-American that same season. He’s also represented his native United States at the international level. The veteran blueliner was part of the fourth-place Team USA squad at the 2022 IIHF World Championships.

What It Means

This may not be a flashy signing on paper. However, this could be a solid, under-the-radar move. Schmidt proved to be very solid on the Panthers en route to helping them win the Stanley Cup.

He may not fill up the scoresheet, but he can be a very useful defensive player. Schmidt has never reached double-digit goals from the blueline at the NHL level. However, he’s carved out a very nice career and was rewarded with a Stanley Cup in the most recent season.

The veteran defender gets a solid new deal and has a chance to contribute. This could be a win-win for both sides going forward.