Utah Mammoth roundup: Team re-signs Yamamoto, DeSimone
Mark J. Terrill, Associated Press
Utah Hockey Club right wing Kailer Yamamoto passes the puck during the third period of an NHL preseason hockey game against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in Anaheim, Calif.Fresh off an eventful NHL draft last weekend, the Utah Mammoth announced a series of transactions Monday and Tuesday.
Utah’s NHL club signed four players and executed another trade. Here’s a rundown of the moves.
YAMAMOTO SIGNS FOR 2 YEARS
The Mammoth re-signed forward Kailer Yamamoto on a two-year contract, which the team says is for an average annual value of $1.75 million.
Yamamoto, a 27-year-old, totaled 13 goals and 10 assists in 59 games for Utah last season.
“Kailer is a versatile forward that wins battles and can produce offense for us,” said Bill Armstrong, general manager of the Utah Mammoth, in a news release. “Kailer is important to our team and we are thrilled that he will return to the Mammoth.”
DeSIMONE ALSO BACK FOR 2 YEARS
Defenseman Nick DeSimone also signed a two-year contract to return to the Mammoth at $1 million per year, the club announced.
The 31-year-old totaled two goals and six assists in 40 games last season, adding 10 penalty minutes.
“Nick has added important depth on our blue line and plays a simple, consistent game,” Armstrong said. “He skates well, moves the puck effectively, and is the consummate professional.”
NEW GOALIE INKS FOR 2 YEARS
Utah’s newest goaltender is under contract for two years. The team announced Sebastian Cossa, a 23-year-old, signed for $2 million per year.
The Mammoth traded for Cossa on Friday during the first round of the draft. Utah traded JJ Peterka to Boston for two draft picks, including this year’s No. 23 selection, then send that 23rd pick to Detroit in exchange for Cossa.
At 6-foot-6, Cossa earned a 26-8-4 record last season with Grand Rapids in the AHL, with a 2.33 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. Detroit drafted him in 2021 with the 15th overall pick.
MAMMOTH TRADE FOR FORWARD
Utah announced Monday the team had traded for Montreal forward Joshua Roy.
The young 22-year-old forward has six goals and five assists in spot work for Montreal over the last three seasons. Utah shipped defenseman Maksymilian Szuber to the Canadiens to complete the trade.
The Mammoth then announced on Tuesday the team has signed Roy to a one-year, two-way contract worth $850,000.
Montreal originally drafted Roy in the fifth round (150th overall) in the 2021 draft.
