The Utah Mammoth moved quickly on the opening day of NHL free agency, signing Stanley Cup–winning defenseman Nate Schmidt to a three-year, $10.5 million contract that carries a $3.5 million average annual value. The 33-year-old logged 12 points in 23 playoff games during the Florida Panthers’ 2025 championship run and brings 741 games of regular-season experience to the league’s newest franchise. Utah also bolstered its forward group by securing veteran winger Brandon Tanev on a three-year pact worth $2.5 million per season. Known for his pace and penalty-killing, the 33-year-old adds depth and versatility as the Mammoth assemble their inaugural roster. Schmidt, an undrafted free agent in 2013, has accumulated 239 regular-season points and 40 postseason points across stints with Washington, Vegas, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Florida. Tanev has appeared in 594 NHL games, contributing 73 goals and 80 assists. The dual signings give Utah a mix of championship pedigree and hard-nosed energy ahead of the club’s first training camp.