The Utah Mammoth made it a goal of theirs to get better at defending while not sacrificing offensive talent.
Hence, Utah added Vincent Trocheck, who is good at just about everything (faceoffs, defense, offense, and more). Another interesting name who could help Utah improve its defense and add even more depth to its top nine is Daniil But.
Daniil But Player Profile
The native of Yaroslavl, Russia, was selected 12th overall in the 2023 NHL draft by the Arizona Coyotes.
So far in But's NHL career, he has played only 29 games (all in 2025-26), scoring 3 goals and 4 assists.
The 21-year-old also scored 19 goals and added 20 assists in 41 AHL games last season, showing his ability as a reliable goal scorer. The Mammoth already have a lot of depth and plenty of wingers, especially with Utah retaining Kailer Yamamoto and switching Trocheck to a winger.
However, But could also provide the Mammoth with a potentially disruptive winger on defense. But is 6'5" and 203 lbs, making him among the biggest wingers on the team. That certainly makes But all the more intriguing for Utah in 2026-27.
Recently, in a 3-0 shutout win over the Vegas Golden Knights in a rookie showcase, But scored a power-play goal and looked like the best player on the ice. That's a good sign, considering he didn't look too comfortable in the NHL and struggled to transition in his short time in Salt Lake.
Among the Mammoth's top prospects, he may be the most NHL-ready. The top nine doesn't need help at the moment, however, But can still be big, adding a security blanket for Utah and being a bigger part of the plan if injuries affect this team.
Depending on how well But performs before (preseason and rookie showcase) and during the season, he may have a larger impact than some might expect.
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