Nick Schmaltz is one of the best players on the Utah Mammoth.
But how long he remains with Utah is a bit of an open question.
Schmaltz's contract expires at the end of the season, which would take him to free agency.
NHL insider David Pagnotta shared in a new article that the Mammoth don't plan on revisiting Schmaltz's contract until after the season.
"With Utah in the first wildcard seed in the West, all eyes are focused on the playoffs. I don’t see the Mammoth moving Schmaltz ahead of the deadline, even without an extension, but (GM Bill) Armstrong & Co. Will try to add to the roster," Pagnotta adds.
Schmaltz is 29, turning 30 in February, and still has quality seasons remaining as a center.
If he was added to the trade block, offers surely would stream in for the Mammoth, although it's not clear the type of value they could get for a guy whose deal is up at the end of the year.
As Pagnotta writes, it probably makes sense for Utah to ride out Schmaltz's deal and see if they can make some noise at the end of the season.
So far this season, Schmaltz has played in 50 games. He has 18 goals and 28 assists (46 points).
Schmaltz has had at least 58 points in each of the past four seasons prior to this one, so he's clearly proven he can be a productive player.
He's also currently putting up the best plus-minus of his NHL career by far, at +13 this season.
The Mammoth will be counting on Schmaltz to finish this season strong, and then they'll address their future from there.
MORE: Sabres secure trade win by landing huge extension with Josh Doan