Simashev agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with Utah on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Simashev will make the jump to North America after spending the last three years playing for Yaroslav Lokomotiv in the KHL. In 56 regular-season games this year, the 20-year-old blueliner notched one goal and five assists before adding one point in 21 playoff appearances. While Simashev figures to get a look during training camp in the fall, he will likely spend the bulk of the 2025-26 campaign in the minors with AHL Tucson.

Simashev is expected to sign with Utah when the KHL season ends and could debut with the club in April, per RG Media.

EDGE Analysis

Simashev would need to sign an entry-level deal with Utah when his campaign with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv ends and would burn a year of that contract by joining up with Utah right away. Selected by the club with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Simashev isn't exactly known for his offensive upside, having tallied just six points in 47 games in the KHL this year.