Simashev looks every bit like a future NHL regular, with the size, reach, and skating to control space at a high level and make life difficult on opposing forwards. His defensive foundation is already very advanced, and that should lead to heavy NHL usage over time, but the fantasy outlook is less exciting. The offensive game still looks limited, and without more assertiveness with the puck, there may not be enough scoring or peripheral production here to make him especially useful outside of very deep formats. He is a strong real-life prospect with a clear NHL path, but unless the offense takes a step, his fantasy value is likely to lag well behind his on-ice impact.

When the Mammoth announced their Opening Night roster for 2025-26, Simashev was one of the 23 names on that list. In his first NHL training camp, he earned his spot. “I think the way he played, the way he can pass the puck made a difference,” Utah coach Andre Tourigny explained. “I think he’s a good transition defenseman, can be really good defensively, can play on the penalty kill.” So far through two games playing mostly with veteran Ian Cole, Simashev is scoreless, averaging 11:28 TOI. Not seeing a ton of time on ice there is still a strong chance he spends some time in Tucson.

It’s now official, Utah has signed their prized prospect Simashev to a three-year, entry-level contract. His teammate and friend Daniil But also signed his ELC. The Russian defenseman will also have a natural mentor as he transitions to North America and the NHL in Utah’s top defenseman Mikhail Sergachev. Utah’s blue line is fairly established with Sergachev, John Marino, Sean Durzi, Olli Maatta, Michael Kesselring and Ian Cole all expected to return. Simashev should create some internal competition, as the smooth skating d-man looked ready for NHL action. Still, it would not be crazy to see Simashev suit up for some playing time in Tucson to start 2025-26 campaign.

The smooth skating defenseman saw his ice time rise once again as Simashev was a reliable in his own end for powerhouse Lokomotiv. Averaging 15:57 per game, he still did not show a lot of offense with one goal and six points in 56 games. Playing all 20 playoff games for Lokomotiv, Simashev helped them capture a Gagarin Cup as the top team in the KHL. Minutes after winning the top prize, Simashev confirmed to reporters that he will be heading to North America next year. GM Bill Armstrong had previously declared his intent to bring both Simashev and his teammate Daniil But over next season. As of right now either is signed to a contract but do not expect that to last long.

Simashev’s play at Utah’s development camp raised a lot of eyebrows, as the smooth skating defenseman looked ready to jump into an NHL lineup. Signed for one more year in the KHL, Utah fans will have to hold their excitement for a little longer. Simashev averaged 14:36 of ice time last season playing for Lokomotiv but was regularly seeing 16-plus late in the year. He really did not see any power play time, finishing with four goals and 10 points in 63 games. While Lokomotiv is still a powerhouse squad, Simashev is expected to see a larger role in 2024-25.