Beginning with 2023 second-round selection Michael Hrabal, goaltenders simply operate on a different timeline.<\/p>\n
Rather than two or three years of development, goalies often require five or more seasons before they\u2019re ready to play in the NHL.<\/p>\n
While Hrabal will be returning to UMass this season, he\u2019s expected to sign his first contract with Utah next summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a goalie I don\u2019t think there\u2019s a rush. I\u2019m still young and playing less games, having more time to practice,\u201d Hrabal said during development camp.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I can still get stronger and improve overall on and off the ice. I think that will help my game a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nHrabal on returning to UMass for another year:<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a goalie I don\u2019t think there\u2019s a rush. I\u2019m still young and playing less games, having more time to practice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I can still get stronger and improve overall on and off the ice. I think that will help my game a lot.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/ddhDOG4a59<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) June 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Once in the fold, Hrabal will likely spend a few seasons in the AHL before he\u2019s ready to see NHL minutes for the Mammoth.<\/p>\n
However, on a more positive note, there\u2019s a lot of belief in Hrabal to be the goalie of the future for Utah given his massive frame and impressive skillset between the pipes.<\/p>\n
For now, back to the NCAA.<\/p>\n
Max Psenicka | Defenseman | 18-years-old | 6\u20195\u2033 | 185 pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n
Selected in the second round of the 2025 NHL draft, Psenicka may have been a steal for the Mammoth.<\/p>\n
In addition to his towering size, Psenicka is a great skater who plays physical and can move the puck.<\/p>\n
\nBeen impressed with Psenicka this week.<\/p>\n
I can see why Utah was high on him and selected him in the second round.<\/p>\n
Lots of upside. pic.twitter.com\/WLomlQHi4B<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
However, as just an 18-year-old, Psenicka simply needs a few more years to develop as he focuses on improving his game offensively and adding some more weight.<\/p>\n
But when you think of raw players with a ton of upside, the young defenseman certainly fits that mold and Utah was ecstatic to draft him in the second round.<\/p>\n
Caleb Desnoyers | Center | 18-years-old | 6\u20192\u2033 | 183 pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Mammoth hit the jackpot this summer after winning the 2025 draft lottery and selecting Caleb Desnoyers with the fourth overall pick.<\/p>\n
As demonstrated by his performances this past season in the juniors and for Team Canada, Desnoyers was one of the most talented players offensively in the class.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou win by building through the middle of the ice,\u201d Bill Armstrong said about Desnoyers following the draft.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a chance to draft him, and he\u2019s got a little bit of everything we want. He\u2019s got the skill; he\u2019s got the high hockey IQ and he\u2019s someone who led his team to a championship.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
While Desnoyers emits an abundance of confidence and even mentioned surprising everyone this year by making the roster, it\u2019s not that easy.<\/p>\n
\nDesnoyers describes how competitive he is: \u201cThat desire to win is the thing that makes me so competitive. I hate losing, but it\u2019s mainly that I love winning so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust always so hungry, never satisfied\u2026always starving.\u201d#TusksUp<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/i5wUtKdZSv<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) June 29, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In addition to a long list of prospects and talent ahead of him, Desnoyers needs to add weight and become stronger before he\u2019ll crack the roster.<\/p>\n
Rest assured though, Desnoyers will be a big part of this team\u2019s future as they build towards a championship roster.<\/p>\n
It\u2019ll just take a few years to get there which is completely normal.<\/p>\n
Cole Beaudoin | Center | 19-years-old | 6\u20192\u2033 | 209 pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n
As the second player ever selected by the Utah Mammoth, Cole Beaudoin is all about heart and hustle.<\/p>\n
In all areas of the ice, Beaudoin consistently gives 110 percent as he battles in the dirty areas, scraps in front of the net, dishes to his teammates, creates turnovers, and applies pressure.<\/p>\n
The perfect example of his game?<\/p>\n
Laying out to block a shot in a development game this past summer.<\/p>\n
\nI\u2019m reminded how SCRAPPY Beaudoin is.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s all over the ice today.<\/p>\n
Just laid out to block a shot\u2026in a development game. Kid is all heart.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u201cHis work ethic jumps off the chart\u2026We can tell he\u2019s putting work in the gym to turn that strength into hockey strength,\u201d Director of Player Development Lee Stempniak said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s got a non-stop motor; he just never gives up\u2026he\u2019s really tough to contain\u2026not many guys are going to stop him.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Beaudoin, while he really wants to make the roster this season, he\u2019s likely still a year out from legitimately pushing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to keep working hard this summer so I can make the team,\u201d Beaudoin said during development camp.<\/p>\n
\u201cGoing into camp, believing in myself & I think they believe in me. So, I want to be a big part of this team\u2026I want to show I\u2019m worthy to be on that team.\u201d<\/p>\n
Anticipating he returns to the juniors, he needs to focus more on his defensive game and become a shutdown skater in his own zone.<\/p>\n
Tij Iginla | Left Wing | 19-years-old | 6\u20190\u2033 | 194 pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n
The Utah Mammoth took a huge sigh of relief during development camp this summer as their first ever draft selection skated strong.<\/p>\n
After undergoing dual hip surgery last winter, Tij Iginla returned to the ice and looked like his normal self.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s a big deal.<\/p>\n
Despite the injury, Iginla was arguably the best skater at camp as his initial steps were strong, stride was sound, turns were tight, and mobility was never in question.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m almost there,\u201d Iginla said during camp. \u201cI feel good. These are probably the hardest skates that I\u2019ve done since my surgeries.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nTij Iginla on how he\u2019s feeling after hip surgeries: \u201cI\u2019m almost there. I feel good. These are probably the hardest skates that I\u2019ve done since my surgeries.\u201d<\/p>\n
Said there\u2019s no discomfort or limitations. pic.twitter.com\/6H0RfoF1wC<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Now, while Iginla\u2019s performance at development camp was a huge positive, he still needs some time to fully recover.<\/p>\n
So, as he eases his way back into the game, returning to Kelowna is not only the most likely scenario, but it\u2019s what would be best for his development and recovery.<\/p>\n
Go back to the juniors, get his legs back under him, push for 100 or more points and help his team make some noise in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
Similar to Beaudoin, Iginla\u2019s first legitimate opportunity to push for a spot in Utah will likely be in 2026.<\/p>\n
Utah Mammoth prospects who will push at training camp<\/p>\n
Artem Duda | Defenseman | 21-years-old | 6\u20191\u2033 | 187 pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n
Stepping into his fourth year in the pipeline, Artem Duda is prepared to push hard at training camp this fall.<\/p>\n
Not that he\u2019ll necessarily claim a roster spot, but this will be his best chance to make some noise at camp following a strong season in Tucson and gaining a notable amount of muscle.<\/p>\n
\nBig night for Duda! \ud83c\udf89 pic.twitter.com\/gtsHqMaPh4<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Tucson Roadrunners (@RoadrunnersAHL) November 10, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The biggest challenge for Duda, however, is mostly how deep Utah\u2019s D-Core is after a busy summer.<\/p>\n
With 10 skaters who could legitimately claim a spot, Duda will likely end up back in the AHL and that\u2019s totally fine.<\/p>\n
Keep learning, keep growing and perhaps next season he\u2019ll make even more noise.<\/p>\n
Maveric Lamoureux | Defenseman | 21-years-old | 6\u20197\u2033 | 214 pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n
The 2024-25 season was a year of learning for defenseman Maveric Lamoureux.<\/p>\n
After several injuries to Utah\u2019s defense, the 21-year-old was called up to the NHL for 15 games.<\/p>\n
In addition to making his debut and scoring his first goal, Lamoureux played decently well given the situation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
However, there was a lot to learn for the young defenseman.<\/p>\n
While he didn\u2019t make too many mistakes, he did sit in the penalty box for a total of 42 minutes in 15 games.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s a lot.<\/p>\n
It was also clear that the coaching staff wanted him to keep his game simple as he learned what it takes to play in the NHL.<\/p>\n
Once he returned to Tucson, it also took him some time to regain his confidence.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
Looking ahead to 2025-26, Lamoureux has been training relentlessly to really push hard at camp.<\/p>\n
Similar to Duda, it\u2019s unlikely he\u2019ll claim a roster spot, but he could force the coaching staff to make a tough decision.<\/p>\n
Anticipating he yet again returns to the Roadrunners, it would do him a lot of good to thrive in the AHL.<\/p>\n
If Utah needs to rely on their depth, he\u2019s likely the first guy they\u2019d call again.<\/p>\n
But for now, prove your worth in the A and aim to make the opening day roster in 2026.<\/p>\n
Utah Mammoth prospects who will see minutes in the NHL this season<\/p>\n
Daniil But | Left Wing | 20-years-old | 6\u20196\u2033 | 216 pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n
After signing his entry-level deal with the Utah Mammoth this summer, towering left winger Daniil But is expected to see NHL minutes this season.<\/p>\n
Related: Utah Mammoth Sign Dmitri Simashev, Daniil But To Entry Level Contracts<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
But what will that look like?<\/p>\n
First off, training camp is going to be huge for the young forward.<\/p>\n
If he wants a shot at making the roster from day one, he\u2019s going to have to show out and prove he\u2019s better than a handful of other more experienced forwards.<\/p>\n
Assuming that doesn\u2019t happen, But will likely spend a similar amount of time in the AHL that former Mammoth Josh Doan did last season.<\/p>\n
Maybe 20 to 30 games to ease into North American hockey and prove he\u2019s ready.<\/p>\n
Once he does see minutes, it\u2019ll be interesting to see how he performs.<\/p>\n
As an absolute behemoth with notable puck handling skills, But can certainly do some damage in the offensive zone.<\/p>\n
\nDaniil But on the ice.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s absolutely massive. pic.twitter.com\/UkJ0D7UkHr<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) June 30, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
But how quickly he\u2019s given the opportunity to demonstrate his talent in the NHL will mostly be up to him.<\/p>\n
Dmitri Simashev | Defenseman | 20-years-old | 6\u20195\u2033 | 203 pounds<\/strong><\/p>\n
As of right now Dmitri Simashev is likely the most well-prepared prospect in Utah\u2019s pool.<\/p>\n
Following a Championship season in the KHL and signing his entry deal, Simashev demonstrated his impressive skillset at Utah\u2019s development camp and absolutely stole the show.<\/p>\n
\nSimashev attacking the net with Hrabal between the pipes. pic.twitter.com\/sn9M3R2LRx<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nSimashev: smooth, quick, effective, great on the puck.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s ready. pic.twitter.com\/wZeihUWgWz<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In addition to his elite skating, Simashev proved his readiness as he was significantly better than nearly all other prospects in every drill, situation and of course, the scrimmage.<\/p>\n
\nThat was clean \ud83e\udd76 pic.twitter.com\/pfzw7cuvxC<\/a><\/p>\n
\u2014 Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) July 3, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Similar to But, Simashev will need to have an excellent camp.<\/p>\n
As one of approximately 10 skaters who could claim a job, I believe the most likely situation for him will be claiming the seventh spot as a scratch to begin the year.<\/p>\n
However, in case he is sent to Tucson, it should just be a short stint of 20 or so games to help with the transition.<\/p>\n
Additionally, as injuries are generally inevitable, Simashev will get his chance this year, but camp will be the biggest factor in how quickly that happens.<\/p>\n
Cole Bagley is the Utah Mammoth insider for KSL Sports.\u00a0Keep up with him on X here<\/a>.\u00a0You can hear Cole break down the team on KSL Sports Zone and KSL 5 TV.
\nTake us with you, wherever you go.<\/b><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Utah-Mammoth-Newsletter_300x250.jpg\")
\t
![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Utah-Mammoth-Newsletter_830x100.jpg\")
<\/a>