White Team forward Daniil But (48) celebrates his goal during the Utah Hockey Club’s development camp intra-squad scrimmage held at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Friday, July 5, 2024 (Isaac Hale, Deseret News).
(Isaac Hale, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – As the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural NHL season comes to a close, the front office will now turn their attention to offseason affairs which includes the draft, free agency and prospect development. While many of their current prospects aren’t quite ready for the NHL, it’s important to understand the timelines, strengths, and areas of improvement for players like Daniil But.
But is a 20-year-old left wing from Yaroslavl, Russia.
Before being called up to the KHL’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl squad, the teenage forward spent several seasons in the MHL (Russia’s top junior league) with Loko Yaroslavl.
But then made his professional debut with Lokomotiv during the 2022-23 season.
In addition to his incredible ability to finish and put pucks in the net, it was But’s unique 6-foot-7 size that attracted the front office to select him in the first round of the 2023 Draft.
After being drafted, he then returned to Lokomotiv Yaroslavl where he’s spent the last few seasons.
As a towering forward, But is an elite two-way player who boasts a very complete 200-foot-game with a relentless effort on both ends.
But specifically excels at scoring, stripping pucks, making plays and fearlessly attacking the net with or without the puck on his tape.
“The one great thing that you just love about this guy is how hard he works and how hard he plays the game,” General Manager Bill Armstrong said.
“He plays a North American style game.”
For any KHL player making the move to North America, there’s generally a sizable adjustment to the speed of the NHL.
For But, he’ll not only need to adjust to the speed, but there will be some necessary adaptations offensively as he plays against NHL goaltenders and defenseman.
As such a big man with no actual experience playing North American hockey, there will likely be some slight growing pains.
Similar to Simashev, But has put in the necessary work to prepare him for the NHL, and he’s expected to see minutes for the Utah Hockey Club this next season.
Related: Checking In On Utah Hockey Club Prospects: Defenseman Dmitriy Simashev
As previously mentioned however, if the adjustment is a little more difficult for him, it’s very possible he could see some time in the AHL for a softer transition.
If that’s the case, But would likely experience a similar assignment to Josh Doan or Dylan Guenther who both spent time in the AHL before being called up the same season.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of where Utah currently sits in the rebuild is the fact that there’s still so much room for growth and improvement.
In addition to Cooley and Guenther showing signs of stardom, Utah still has a plethora of talented players in their prospect pool to continue drawing from.
Skaters like Tij Iginla, Cole Beaudoin, Michael Hrabal, Maveric Lamoureux, Daniil But and Dmitriy Simashev.
“We’re gonna be adding good players out of the draft to our team,” Armstrong said. “If we do this process right, we’ve got a chance to be good for about 10 straight years.”
Additionally, Utah has a deep pocket of roughly $22 million to go and get another legit player(s) this summer.
While they do need to extend Logan Cooley, there will be plenty of money to acquire one of the many talented upcoming free agents.
Players such as Mitch Marner, Nikolaj Ehlers, Sam Bennett, Ryan Donato or Brock Boeser who’d all look great in mountain blue and would undoubtedly elevate Utah’s ceiling.
So, while it’s unfortunate that Utah will likely miss the playoffs this season, the rebuilding process is on schedule and the proof has been on the ice all year long.
With a talented young core, seasoned veterans, more upcoming prospects and a deep pocket to spend, the Utah Hockey Club will look to take the next big step in 2025-26 and should be a playoff team a year from now.
The Utah Hockey Club will now face the Dallas Stars on Saturday night at American Airlines Center. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
