Nick DeSimone Bio
Nick DeSimone is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Utah Mammoth of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on November 21, 1994, in East Amherst, New York, DeSimone has built a career in professional hockey after going undrafted. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, he shoots right-handed and has represented several NHL organizations since turning professional in 2017.
DeSimone attended Union College, where he played collegiate ice hockey before signing his first professional contract. Over the course of his career, he has spent time with the San Jose Sharks organization, the Calgary Flames, the New Jersey Devils, and the Utah Mammoth, working primarily on the blue line in both the NHL and the American Hockey League.
Early Life and Background
Nick DeSimone was born on November 21, 1994, in East Amherst, New York, a suburban community in the Buffalo metropolitan area. Growing up in western New York placed him in one of the most passionate hockey regions in the United States, where youth rinks and travel programs are deeply embedded in the local sports culture. From an early age, he gravitated toward the sport and developed his skills on local ice before pursuing hockey at a higher level.
His physical profile eventually matured to 6 feet 2 inches and 190 pounds, attributes that suited the modern style of NHL defense. The combination of size and mobility helped him progress through the amateur ranks and earn an opportunity to compete at the college level.
Path to Hockey
DeSimone played college ice hockey at Union College, a private liberal arts school in Schenectady, New York, that competes in NCAA Division I. His time with the Union Dutchmen allowed him to refine his defensive game and adjust to the pace and physicality of higher-level competition.
After completing his collegiate career, DeSimone went undrafted by NHL teams. Despite that setback, he signed a two-year entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks on March 30, 2017, officially launching his professional career. On April 12, 2019, he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, who subsequently loaned him to the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. His rights were later traded to the New York Rangers on July 17, 2021, before he reached unrestricted free agency.
Nick DeSimone Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
DeSimone began his professional career in the San Jose Sharks organization, splitting time between the NHL roster and the club’s AHL affiliate. He later signed a two-year contract extension with the Sharks on July 11, 2019, continuing his development as a depth defenseman. Following his trade to the Vegas Golden Knights, he was assigned to the Rochester Americans, where he logged significant minutes and gained valuable professional experience.
When his contract concluded, DeSimone’s player rights were dealt to the New York Rangers in July 2021. The pathway back to the NHL remained competitive, and he used the next phase of his career to establish himself as a reliable two-way defenseman.
Calgary Flames Breakthrough (2021–2024)
On July 28, 2021, DeSimone signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Calgary Flames as an unrestricted free agent. He later re-signed with the Flames on a two-year, two-way deal on July 13, 2022. That second contract produced his long-awaited NHL debut. On November 7, 2022, DeSimone played his first NHL game, a 4–3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders, marking a major milestone in his career.
His time in Calgary gave him his first sustained taste of NHL action, and he continued to evolve into a steady, stay-at-home defenseman who could be trusted in defensive-zone situations.
New Jersey Devils Era (2024)
On January 25, 2024, DeSimone was claimed off waivers by the New Jersey Devils, opening a new chapter in his career. He went on to sign a one-year, one-way contract extension with the Devils on June 24, 2024, signaling that the organization viewed him as part of their defensive core.
During the 2024–25 season, DeSimone appeared in 12 games with the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, while also serving as a healthy scratch on the New Jersey blue line as the team managed its roster.
Utah Mammoth Era (2025–Present)
On January 5, 2025, after being placed on waivers by the Devils, DeSimone was claimed by the Utah Hockey Club. He quickly found a role on Utah’s blue line, settling into the third defensive pairing. Over his first 20 regular-season games with the club, he posted one goal and six points, providing offense from the back end while maintaining responsibility in his own zone.
On May 30, 2025, DeSimone was re-signed to a one-year, $800,000 contract extension with the Utah Mammoth for the 2025–26 season, securing his place with the franchise as it continued its transition.
Driving Style and Strengths
DeSimone is recognized as a dependable, defense-first blueliner who uses his 6-foot-2 frame to win battles along the boards and clear the front of his net. He plays a calm, positionally sound game, reads plays well at even strength, and contributes occasional offense, as evidenced by his six points in 20 games with Utah. Coaches have trusted him in a third-pair role that emphasizes reliability and smart defensive-zone coverage.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of DeSimone’s career came on November 7, 2022, when he finally skated in his first NHL game with the Calgary Flames. Being claimed off waivers by the New Jersey Devils in January 2024 and by the Utah Hockey Club in January 2025 further underscored his value as a depth defenseman capable of stepping into NHL duty.
Nick DeSimone Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about Nick DeSimone’s family background is limited. He was raised in East Amherst, New York, where he developed his early passion for hockey.
Personal Life
DeSimone resides in North America and continues his professional hockey career with the Utah Mammoth. There are no publicly confirmed details regarding his marital status or children.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 calendar year has been transformative for Nick DeSimone. After beginning the season with the New Jersey Devils organization and appearing with the Utica Comets, he was claimed off waivers by the Utah Hockey Club in January 2025. From that point, he became a regular on Utah’s blue line, anchoring the third pairing and contributing offensively with one goal and six points in 20 regular-season games.
His strong play earned him a one-year, $800,000 contract extension on May 30, 2025, locking him in for the 2025–26 campaign. With the franchise rebranding from the Utah Hockey Club to the Utah Mammoth, DeSimone is positioned as a returning veteran presence on the team’s defensive depth chart.
Heading into the rest of the 2025 calendar year, DeSimone will look to build on his late-season momentum, compete for an expanded role, and help stabilize the Mammoth’s blue line as the franchise establishes its identity in Utah.
