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 his professional career since 2017 after going undrafted, traveling through several organizations before establishing himself as a reliable depth defenseman. He stands 188 cm tall and weighs 86 kg, and he is known for a steady two-way game developed across the American Hockey League (AHL) and NHL. Throughout his career he has represented the San Jose Sharks organization, the Vegas Golden Knights system, the Calgary Flames, the New Jersey Devils, and now the Utah Mammoth.
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, he was surrounded by a strong hockey culture that produced numerous college and professional players. From a young age, DeSimone developed an interest in the sport and progressed through the youth hockey ranks in his region.
DeSimone continued his development in junior and preparatory hockey before moving on to the collegiate level, where he played for Union College. His time in the NCAA helped him refine the defensive fundamentals and positional play that would later define his professional profile. Standing 188 cm and weighing 86 kg, he brought a strong, mobile frame to the blue line, traits that caught the attention of NHL scouts even though he was never selected in the entry draft.
Path to Hockey
DeSimone’s path to the NHL began at Union College, where he played college ice hockey and served as a steady, dependable defenseman for the program. His college performances were enough to put him on the radar of NHL teams despite his undrafted status. On March 30, 2017, he signed a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks, officially launching his professional career.
After spending time developing within the San Jose organization, DeSimone was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on April 12, 2019, and was immediately loaned to the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. This move gave him valuable AHL experience in a top development system. On July 17, 2021, his player rights were later dealt to the New York Rangers as part of a transaction, setting the stage for his next professional opportunity as an unrestricted free agent.
Nick DeSimone Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
DeSimone began his professional career with the San Jose Sharks organization after signing a two-year entry-level deal on March 30, 2017. He spent the bulk of his early professional seasons in the AHL, working on his defensive game and adjusting to the pace of professional hockey. On July 11, 2019, the Sharks re-signed him to a second two-year contract, showing confidence in his development.
On April 12, 2019, DeSimone was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, who immediately assigned him to the Rochester Americans. He continued to log important AHL minutes with Rochester, sharpening his skills as a two-way defenseman while awaiting another NHL opportunity.
Calgary Flames Breakthrough (2021–2024)
As an unrestricted free agent, DeSimone signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Calgary Flames on July 28, 2021. He later re-signed with the Flames on a two-year, two-way contract on July 13, 2022, extending his stay in the organization. He played his first NHL game on November 7, 2022, a 4–3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders, marking the long-awaited realization of his top-level dream.
DeSimone remained with the Flames organization through the 2023–24 season, splitting time between Calgary and their AHL affiliate while serving as a depth defenseman. His reliability and steady play made him a valued call-up option during that stretch.
New Jersey Devils Era (2024–2025)
On January 25, 2024, DeSimone was claimed off waivers by the New Jersey Devils, marking another step in his journeyman NHL path. He signed a one-year, one-way contract extension with the Devils on June 24, solidifying his spot on their blue line for the following campaign. In the 2024–25 season, he appeared in 12 games with the Devils’ AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets, while also serving as a healthy scratch for New Jersey.
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, the franchise in Salt Lake City that was rebranded. He was quickly deployed on Utah’s blue line and earned a role on the third defensive pair, recording one goal and six points through 20 regular-season contests. 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, rewarding his strong late-season contributions.
Driving Style and Strengths
DeSimone is recognized as a steady, positionally sound defenseman who plays a reliable two-way game. He uses his 188 cm frame effectively along the boards and in front of the net, and he is comfortable logging penalty-kill minutes. His ability to move the puck cleanly out of the defensive zone has made him a trusted third-pair option in Utah.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of DeSimone’s career came on November 7, 2022, when he played his first NHL game with the Calgary Flames against the New York Islanders. His mid-season claim by the Utah Hockey Club in January 2025 and his subsequent one-year contract extension with the Utah Mammoth further cemented his place in the NHL.
Nick DeSimone Career Wins
Nick DeSimone’s professional résumé is built on reliability and longevity rather than headline statistics, as he has spent many seasons in the AHL while contributing at the NHL level when called upon. His career wins and performances reflect a player who has consistently delivered in depth roles across multiple organizations.
NHL and AHL Highlights
DeSimone made his NHL debut with the Calgary Flames on November 7, 2022, beginning his top-level career after years of development in the AHL. He went on to appear with the New Jersey Devils and then the Utah Hockey Club, where he posted one goal and six points in 20 games during the 2024–25 season. He also suited up for the Utica Comets and Rochester Americans, logging extensive AHL minutes that helped shape his defensive game.
Other Performances
Beyond his NHL appearances, DeSimone served as a steady AHL defenseman, contributing to the Rochester Americans and Utica Comets during his development years. He has been a reliable call-up option for every organization that has signed him.
Nick DeSimone Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Nick DeSimone’s family background and personal ancestry are not widely documented in public sources. He grew up in East Amherst, New York, and developed his hockey skills in the western New York youth system.
Personal Life
Nick DeSimone currently resides in the Salt Lake City area while playing for the Utah Mammoth. He was born in East Amherst, New York, and is an American national. Further personal details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly verified.
2025 Season Performance
Nick DeSimone’s 2024–25 season was a turning point in his career, as he split time between the New Jersey Devils organization and the Utah Hockey Club. After playing 12 games with the Utica Comets and serving as a healthy scratch for the Devils, he was claimed off waivers by Utah on January 5, 2025, and quickly earned a regular role on the team’s third defensive pairing.
With Utah, DeSimone posted one goal and six points across 20 regular-season games, providing steady defensive play and contributing to the franchise’s inaugural push as the Utah Hockey Club. His late-season impact was strong enough that the organization re-signed him to a one-year, $800,000 contract extension on May 30, 2025, keeping him in the lineup under the new Utah Mammoth branding for 2025–26.
Heading into the 2025–26 season, DeSimone is expected to continue in a depth defenseman role with the Utah Mammoth, providing penalty-kill support and reliable two-way play. His continued presence on a one-way NHL contract reflects the franchise’s confidence in his game and his growing importance to the team’s blue line.