After Stanley Cup win with Panthers, Nate Schmidt issues subtle warning to the rest NHL following signing with Mammoth

Fresh off winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, defenseman Nate Schmidt is already setting his sights on continued success. The 33-year-old signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Utah Mammoth on July 1, signaling his intention to bring championship experience to a young and developing team. Schmidt’s recent remarks suggest he believes the Mammoth are poised to make noise in the coming seasons.

Schmidt, a key contributor to Florida’s deep playoff run, is determined not to let his recent Stanley Cup victory be a one-time achievement. He expressed a clear commitment to returning to the pinnacle of the sport, bringing with him lessons learned from both championship and finalist teams. His focus is on helping Utah build a winning culture and solidify its status as a playoff contender.

The Mammoth, who narrowly missed the playoffs last season, have added veteran talent and are in the midst of a roster rebuild. Schmidt’s signing is seen as a vital piece of that process, infusing the team with leadership and defensive prowess. His comments reflect confidence in the team’s trajectory and a subtle warning to the rest of the NHL that Utah’s ascent is imminent.

Schmidt’s experience: A key asset for Utah’s rise

Schmidt’s journey to Utah comes after a notable NHL career, including Stanley Cup success with the Panthers and appearances in the Stanley Cup Final with the Vegas Golden Knights. He has also played for the Washington Capitals and Winnipeg Jets, bringing a wealth of playoff experience to the Mammoth. His leadership and two-way play are expected to be critical in guiding a young roster.

Nate Schmidt #88 celebrates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Edmonton Oilers in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

“This is actually a team and an organization that have been building for a long time,” Schmidt noted, according to NHL.com. “It kind of, in a lot of ways, mimics Florida and how they went through the draft, had a bunch of guys grow up together, and then start to make noise later as they got on in their careers.”

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Schmidt emphasized that Utah’s recent acquisitions of veteran defensemen like Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino contribute to a completer and more competitive squad, one ready to challenge for a playoff berth.

Subtle warning to the league

When asked about his motivation following his championship, Schmidt issued a pointed message to the league: “I’m not going to let this thing be a one and done. I want to be back there again.” His words indicate a focused determination to maintain the highest level of success and to help the Mammoth reach the Stanley Cup stage.

Schmidt highlighted the growing skill level and competitiveness of the Mammoth roster, which includes young talents such as Clayton Keller, Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Barrett Hayton. He views his role as both a contributor on the ice and a mentor who can instill a winning mentality.

“In the last couple of years they’ve added guys like myself and a couple of other guys that have won before, and that type of mentality starts to roll over in my opinion,” he explained. “That’s what you’re going to get out of me and that’s what I’m most excited to bring to this group.”