Which Prospect Makes the Utah Mammoth Roster this Year?

With Danil But and Dmitri Simashev already making the team last year, this article will focus on the three prospects mentioned above. Also, since Mammoth draft pick Ethan Belchetz continues to train with his college, Michigan State, he will not participate in this year’s rookie camp.

The Playoff Warrior

“He’s a guy I think the organization is really high on his potential, especially considering that he was drafted in the fourth round,” said Folta. “A lot of guys you draft in the fourth round, you’re happy if they make it to the NHL at all.” 

Smith’s journey from hopeful to coveted prospect continues to amaze Utah’s front office and fans alike. Drafted for the possibility of becoming a physical bottom-line center, Smith’s offensive game took off in the last two seasons (2024-2026).

Smith developed into what fans call an “it” Factor, because in the playoffs the center becomes a very different animal. From 2025 to 2026, Smith scored 25 goals and 30 assists, combining to a total of 55 points! To put that into perspective, that’s the same amount of accumulated points as Moncton Wildcat teammate Desnoyers, who’s also a top four pick.

Smith makes up for what he lacks in finesse with physicality, size, and the ability to score greasy goals. However, two things continue to keep him off the main Mammoth roster: his skating and speed.

“I think his skating probably needs to get a little bit better,” stated Folta… “If you’re going to be effective with the Mammoth, you’re going to have to skate. We’ve seen that with the players that Bill Armstrong has developed, the players that he’s acquired, the players he’s drafted. Skating is a must.”

The Golden Draft Pick

Mammoth Nation’s reaction said it all when Utah leapfrogged 10 spots to grab the fourth-overall pick. Just a year after drafting Iginla, the Mammoth added more ammo to their prospect arsenal with Desnoyers.

The center rose through the draft ranks after having an immaculate season with the Moncton. In the 2025 QMJHL playoffs, Desnoyers scored 30 points on nine goals and 21 assists, helping the Wildcats win the QMJHL championship.

Desnoyers possesses elite playmaking ability. Whenever the center goes down the ice, there’s a solid chance either he or another teammate scores. Not to mention, he’s physical enough to make his presence known on the defensive end.

Will Desnoyers Make the Team?

“His ability on both ends of the ice is undeniable,” stated Folta. “+51 two years ago, +36 this last year. Plus-minus is what it is, but like he’s not scoring at the expense of the defensive side of the ice.”

Desnoyers has too much skill not to make the NHL at some point in his career, but this season may not be his year. While he’s won a championship in the QMJHL, the center hasn’t faced the level of competition the NHL provides (meaning skill and physicality).

“With all due respect to the Q (QMJHL). Caleb Desnoyers is playing against plumbers, electricians, accountants, and 16-year-olds as well”, stated Folta. 

He continues, “That’s two things I mention: there’s one, the philosophy that Armstrong has of letting guys bake (in the AHL). Two, the jump that they’re making from junior hockey in the CHL to the National Hockey League”

Like Father like Son

Out of all the prospects the Mammoth have, Iginla continues to look the most ready for the NHL. In this year’s development camp, the winger dominated play. He scored a hat trick during a scrimmage and used his speed and physicality to push around other prospects.

“He’s got an incredible head on his shoulders,” said Folta. “After talking with him, you kind of have the sense of like, ok, there’s no doubt this guy is going to work very well in the National Hockey League. You’d expect nothing less from Jarome Iginla’s son.”

Iginla dominates not only development camps, but the WHL as well. In three seasons at Kelowna, the forward has scored 118 goals and 115 assists, totaling 233 points. He’s dangerous from anywhere on the ice. He can outsmart a goaltender by out-maneuvering them in the crease or snipe a goal from the circle. 

“The unique thing about Tij is that he has microwavable goalscoring,” said Folta. Where you don’t need to stick him in the oven (the game) for the whole 30 minutes, you can just pop him into the microwave and get yourself a goal.”

Since he’s such a formidable scorer, Iginla can easily get other teammates involved. Defenses focus on him so much, he just finds another player to bury the shot.

Which Line Does Iginla Fit?

With such a strong chance to make the team, many wonder where Iginla potentially fits in the Mammoth’s lineup. Folta gave a confident response when asked about Iginla’s fit in Utah.

“I think he’s got enough parts of his game going for him where he could be effective in a third-line role,” stated Folta. “If Iginla’s career pans out the way we hope it does, that’s not where he stays, obviously.

Folta continues his statement by saying, “If I could place Tij Iginla somewhere, it would be in the top six, but who do you move down? Maybe you do move somebody down. Maybe Tij Iginla’s that good.”

Coach Andre Tourigny’s philosophy about rookies coming to the majors is simple: If you’re good enough to help the team, you can be a part of it. If the forward has any chance of moving up the lines, he’ll need to bring those elite skills to the NHL.

AHL Days Ahead?

This year continues to feel like a turning point for the Mammoth’s prospects to finally break through to the main roster. However, there’s a solid chance all of these prospects end up in the AHL. Many fans in Mammoth Nation would find this decision disappointing, especially given the potential all these prospects hold. But Folta had an interesting rebuttal.

“Things are going really well if Iginla and Desnoyers are running the top power play against the San Jose Barracuda in Tucson,” stated Folta. “It’s healthy if these guys don’t have to come up, because the Mammoth roster is already so competitive.”

Either way, if Iginla ends up scoring 20 goals with the Mammoth this season or dominating the AHL, it’s a win-win for Mammoth Nation. Not to mention, Utah added two 20-plus goalscorers in Vincent Trocheck and Anders Lee. Also, Simashev already had a year in the AHL scoring eight goals and 27 assists and looks to join the Mammoth this year as well.

Great Season to Ascend

With regular season play inching ever closer, Mammoth fans should enjoy watching the rookies battle to make an NHL spot. The refiner’s fire can create some of the most impactful players on the ice.