Nate Schmidt's time with the Florida Panthers has officially come to an end. The veteran defenseman has signed a three-year contract with the Utah Mammoth. Starting next season, he will have a $3.5 million average annual value.
Schmidt undoubtedly earned this nice deal from Utah. The 33-year-old defenseman completely bounced back with the Panthers after being bought out by the Winnipeg Jets during the off-season before. In 80 games this regular-season with Florida, he had five goals, 19 points, and a plus-4 rating. He also recorded three goals, 12 points, and a plus-9 rating in 23 playoff games for Florida.
With Utah looking to take that next step and get into the playoffs, it makes a lot of sense that they are bringing Schmidt in. He will give them another veteran to help mentor their young players, and it also does not hurt that he has plenty of playoff experience. Thus, he has the potential to be a good addition to Utah's roster.
In 741 career NHL games, Schmidt has recorded 52 goals, 187 assists, 239 points, and a plus-106 rating.
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