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Sunday, September 13, 2026

Utah Mammoth Shuts Out Golden Knights in Rookie Showcase Opener

Hockey

The Utah Mammoth returned to action Saturday afternoon, facing the Vegas Golden Knights in their first rookie showcase matchup. After dropping a six-game series to Vegas in May, Utah exacted revenge with a commanding 3-0 victory. Despite missing top prospects Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers to injury, the young roster delivered an impressive performance to open the showcase.

Simashev Takes Charge

Dmitri Simashev announced himself as a legitimate NHL prospect during Saturday’s contest. With Sean Durzi and Ian Cole departed, the Russian defenseman has a clear path to the Utah lineup, and his rookie camp performance suggested he is ready to seize it.

Yet Simashev does not consider himself an NHLer as of yet, despite strong belief around the hockey world. There is a reason why he is at rookie camp. On Saturday, though, Simashev looked like an NHL player.

“He was riding and surfing across and making it hard,” Roadrunners head coach Steve Potvin said. “If he couldn’t get a stick on the puck, he was narrowing the space and pushing the play to the perimeter. That’s what you want…That’s what I liked about his game. The things that he does with the puck. He’s obviously gifted with it, and he was making the appropriate plays tonight. I thought he played pretty simple and effective.”

Simashev finished with an assist but could have had more. He had numerous quality looks on the power play and was extremely effective on the penalty kill, especially during a three-minute kill in the second period. The defenseman rarely made mistakes and was clearly one of the best players on the ice.

His speed, skill, and height were all main factors in the Mammoth’s win. He led the way with those attributes and earned the game captaincy. Simashev always wants to improve and elevate his teammates—a personality trait that will serve him well in his professional career.

While a couple of weeks remain before we know whether Simashev will start the season in the NHL, his performance against the Golden Knights makes a strong case. If he can continue this level of play, particularly against stronger opponents later in the showcase, the decision for the Mammoth could be straightforward.

Duda‘s Return to the Ice

Saturday marked the first time since January that Artem Duda skated in a game. Yes, it was a showcase against the Golden Knights’ depleted prospect pool, but the significance for the defenseman was undeniable.

Duda sustained a major knee injury during his season with the Roadrunners that required surgery, ending his promising 2025-26 campaign after 27 games and 13 points.

Entering this season, he feels better than ever—physically and mentally. Duda believes he is at the top of his game, surpassing even his performance last season.

“Everything is great,” Duda said. “I feel like I’m the strongest person I’ve ever been, so everything is good. Knee is good, skating, physical play. I think I just have to keep going like that.”

Artem Duda Tucson Roadrunners
Artem Duda, Tucson Roadrunners (Photo credit: Ontario Reign)

That feeling could not have come at a better time. With preseason cut to four games, the rookie showcase represents one of Duda’s best opportunities to impress the coaching staff and front office, potentially securing one of the first call-ups next season.

Potvin is already impressed. Having coached Duda for two seasons and multiple prospect showcases, he has never seen the defenseman in better shape.

“He looks bigger, he looks stronger, and he was also able to keep up a good gap in the third period,” Potvin said. “He stepped up with a big check, and then followed it up with another one right in the D zone. I thought he played a strong game, and especially not having played in as long as he had, I think he had an excellent game.”

Duda posted a strong pairing with Tomas Lavoie, who will likely remain on the Roadrunners blueline alongside him. The defenseman had nothing but praise for his partner after the game.

“He’s a really good guy,” Duda said. “He’s a tough d-man, skates well, sees the ice well, and also has a great shot. I think he’s a great guy to play with.”

Duda finished with a goal and an assist. With Max Szuber, Kevin Connauton, and Scott Perunovich departed and Simashev likely in the NHL full time, this is a critical season for Duda—one where he could earn his first NHL call-up.

The defenseman’s contract expires at the end of this season, adding stakes to the 2026-27 campaign. However, if he remains healthy and delivers on his claim of being over 100 percent, this could be a breakthrough year.

Other Standouts From Game 1

Several Mammoth players distinguished themselves on Saturday. Miko Matikka scored the opening goal just minutes into the game. Matikka had a stronger 2025-26 season, though not one that impressed; he showed flashes of 20-goal potential during rookie camp. The real test will be whether he produces in the AHL this season.

Daniil But scored the Mammoth’s second goal just 49 seconds later. He dominated the game, displaying skill on a completely different level than most prospects. His confidence appeared improved from last season, which struggled at the NHL level. While this performance alone will not guarantee a roster spot, it bodes well for main training camp.

All three Mammoth goals came on the power play, and both special teams units were nearly flawless. The power play moved the puck effectively, generating multiple shots and chances.

“Instant chemistry, right?” Potvin said. “The way they were moving the puck, not just on the power play. It seemed like this team had been together for a little while. I thought that they were on their toes. They were playing really connected. They were connecting the chains. We talk about eight systems and one way of playing, and it seemed like they were connecting the chains.”

Physicality was a major factor. Each player completed checks and hits without backing down when challenged. Players like But even defended teammates in their own end.

Gabe Smith provided an extremely physical presence throughout the game. He crossed the line in the second period with a big, dirty hit on Trevor Connelly that sidelined him for most of the contest. Smith fought in response and held his own before being ejected.

“I was impressed,” Potvin said. “There is no doubt. I think it is something that we have had for many years, and for whatever reason last year it did not seem like we had a lot of physicality, at least in Tucson and the AHL. Seeing our guys the way they started the game…It is big-boy hockey, and you need guys like that to push the pace and solve problems. You finish checks a lot of times; that just solves a lot of problems.”

Michael Hrabal finished with an assist and a 21-save shutout. He had limited work in the first half but stood strong down the stretch, nearly scoring on a goalie goal that he fanned on.

Owen Allard, Brandon Holt, and Florent Houle also stood out. Though none recorded points, all three played hard and physically, creating multiple chances for the Mammoth.

Utah Mammoth Vegas Golden Knights 2026 Rookie Showcase (Photo: Chase Beardsley/The Hockey Writers)

The Mammoth play two more games in this year’s rookie showcase. Next up is the San Jose Sharks, who arguably boast the best team in the showcase with players like Michael Misa, Filip Bystedt, and Igor Chernyshov. Utah holds the edge in goal with Hrabal, but it will be a difficult test, especially after the Sharks blew out the Los Angeles Kings 7-1 on Saturday.

Yet, out of all the teams in the showcase, the Mammoth might have the best odds of handing the Sharks a loss. They play with a speed that no other team possesses and are unafraid to use their bodies. If they maintain this game plan, it could be a manageable matchup.

“We just need to keep playing our game like we did today,” Duda said. “Help our goalies, and just stick to the game plan. Pretty simple.”

The Mammoth will face the Sharks on Sunday in their second rookie showcase game. San Jose enters 1-0-0 in the showcase after defeating the Kings 7-1 on Saturday.

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