Daniil But Reflects on NHL Debut, North American Life, and Future Ambitions

Daniil But's inaugural season in North America served as a significant step towards establishing himself as a full-time NHL player. The Utah Mammoth forward demonstrated his potential, accumulating 39 points (19 goals, 20 assists) in 41 games with the Tucson Roadrunners, the Mammoth's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate. Simultaneously, he made his NHL debut, participating in 29 games and registering three goals and four assists.

In an interview originally published by the Russian sports website Sport-Express, But discusses his initial NHL season, the distinctions between the AHL and NHL, his adaptation to life in North America, and his objectives for the 2026-27 season.

A Successful 2025-26 Season

But joined established teams twice last season: first with Lokomotiv in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), and subsequently with Utah. Integrating into a Russian-speaking group would have been a stark contrast to joining a team predominantly speaking English.

"Every time feels different," the forward remarked. "Whether you're joining a junior team, a KHL team, or an NHL team. There's always a bit of initial nervousness. Then you start conversing with the guys, and everything begins to fall into place."

He found his footing in the locker room relatively quickly. "I believe I integrated quite well," But confirmed. "I didn't impose any specific rules on myself for how to behave in the locker room. You simply need to be yourself. The primary objective was to play good hockey."

He certainly played good hockey in his 29 NHL games. However, it might not have entirely met his expectations. "You always desire more, naturally. But I wouldn't categorize last season as a poor one. On the contrary, I consider it a rather successful season. I achieved a respectable point total in the AHL, and I played a considerable number of games in the NHL. Overall, I view it as a good season."

Distinguishing Between the AHL and NHL

Competing in both the AHL and the NHL provided But with valuable insights into the differences between the two leagues. "In the AHL, there might even be more physical play, more borderline hits, and more battles," he observed. "The NHL possesses all of that as well, particularly in the playoffs, though I didn't personally participate in the playoffs. However, the NHL showcases greater skill.

Everything is accelerated—players skate better, move more effectively, and shoot with greater precision. I'm not implying that the AHL is solely about straightforward hockey and fighting. Those situations simply occur with greater frequency there. Additionally, there are numerous highly skilled players in that league who possess genuine talent and have the potential to make it to the NHL."

Nevertheless, when he was demoted, his primary objective was to return to the NHL as swiftly as possible. "When I was sent down at the beginning of the season, my sole focus was on devising a way to get back to the NHL." He maintained his drive to achieve this: "My motivation didn't intensify—it was always present. My ambition was to reach the NHL, establish myself there, and play. That was consistently the goal, and it remained so."

But made his NHL debut on December 3, 2025, in a decisive 7-0 victory against the Anaheim Ducks. He vividly recalls that evening. "We defeated Anaheim 7-0, so it was a memorable night. I remember stepping onto the ice, looking around, and thinking, 'My goodness, I was recently playing these guys on PlayStation, and now I'm on the ice with them.' It was an incredible sensation."

Is it challenging to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the atmosphere—the locker room, the arena, the attention, and the fan support—for a player making their debut? "I wouldn't describe it as pressure," But explained. "This is what you've worked towards your entire life, and then the moment finally arrives—your first NHL game. Naturally, you feel nervous. You want to perform at your best, you hope everything goes well, and you aspire to remain with the team. Those were the thoughts occupying my mind. However, I wouldn't say I was excessively nervous."

He cherishes positive recollections from the game. "Honestly, I remember everything. I could recount the entire journey from the hotel to the arena, the entire game, and everything I did. I recall every moment. I was fully immersed in the experience and replayed it in my mind numerous times."

But spent considerable time with fellow Russians Mikhail Sergachev and Dmitri Simashev, yet he didn't isolate himself. "I wouldn't say I spoke to or befriended one individual more than anyone else. All the guys on both teams—the AHL and NHL teams—were excellent individuals and great teammates. Everyone welcomed me and assisted me in becoming a part of the group."

Adapting to a New Lifestyle

When asked about the importance of language proficiency for a player adjusting to a new environment, But responded: "Yes, it's extremely important... My English improved. I already had a foundational understanding from attending a school with an advanced English program. By the fourth or fifth month, I was able to communicate with considerable ease."

Initially, communication with his teammates presented challenges, he noted: "In the beginning, of course, it was more difficult. But the more you interact with people, the easier it becomes. You start to grasp their way of speaking, and your apprehension about making mistakes diminishes."

However, language alone does not guarantee complete adaptation. "I haven't fully adapted yet; it has taken considerable time, and I'm still getting accustomed to it," he stated. "There's no buckwheat, and no syrniki. There are numerous small details like that. When you actually experience them, you immediately recognize that life in Russia is different: we are simply accustomed to distinct things."

Preparing for the Upcoming Season

But is already in the process of preparing for the current season and has implemented some adjustments to his offseason regimen. "I've made a few changes," he confirmed. "However, the overall structure of my preparation has remained consistent. I haven't completely altered the program. I've merely fine-tuned certain aspects."

Following his 29-game performance last season, But has defined objectives for the upcoming campaign. "I aim to play the entire season in the NHL," he stated with conviction. "All I can say is that I have faith in myself, and I believe everything will unfold favorably for me."

His entry into the NHL has also afforded him the opportunity to work with a different coach. In Utah, he played under André Tourigny, who possesses extensive international experience with Team Canada at both junior and senior levels: "Before departing for the NHL, I worked with Igor Nikitin for two and a half years. Therefore, upon arriving in the NHL, I didn't encounter anything entirely novel. Obviously, there are differences in tactics, structure, and systems. However, overall, it felt familiar: the same types of team meetings, the same meticulous attention to detail, and the same emphasis on the finer points. These aspects were already instilled in me in Russia."

With his experience in both hockey environments and his demonstrated improvement throughout the season, But is now well-positioned to secure a full-time NHL role in 2026-27, contributing to the Mammoth's potential return to the playoffs.