Utah Mammoth Sent Prospects to AHL Tucson

The Utah Mammoth assigned five players, including top picks Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers, to the AHL.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Hockey

Utah Mammoth Sent Prospects to AHL Tucson

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The Utah Mammoth have assigned top draft picks Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers to their AHL affiliate in Tucson. The organization also sent Michael Hrabal, Yegor Borikov, and Gabe Smith to the team to begin the new season.

Why it matters

This move leverages a new agreement allowing NHL teams to send nineteen-year-old first-round picks from the CHL directly to the AHL. The decision provides these high-level prospects with professional development opportunities within the Mammoth system.

Tij Iginla, the sixth overall pick in the 2024 draft, recorded 90 points in 48 games, while 2025 fourth overall selection Caleb Desnoyers tallied 78 points in 45 games and secured the 2024-25 QMJHL MVP award.

The players

Tij Iginla

He is a 20-year-old forward who was the sixth overall selection in the 2024 NHL draft.

Caleb Desnoyers

He is a 19-year-old forward who was the fourth overall selection in the 2025 NHL draft.

Utah Mammoth

They are the NHL franchise currently based in Salt Lake City.

The details

The team also placed Brandon Tanev, Joshua Roy, and Zac Jones on waivers for assignment to the Tucson roster. This influx of talent follows the recent league update regarding developmental pathing for young CHL draft selections.

Iginla was drafted sixth overall in 2024.
Desnoyers earned the QMJHL MVP award in the 2024-25 season.
The players were officially sent to AHL Tucson on September 26, 2026.

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Season Trajectory

This roster move signals a shift in the Mammoth development strategy, allowing young stars to adjust to professional play sooner than historical standards permitted. It directly impacts the competitive depth of the Tucson roster while defining the immediate path for top-tier draft assets.

Fans in Salt Lake City will see top-tier offensive prospects Iginla and Desnoyers gaining professional experience in the AHL rather than returning to junior hockey. These assignments clarify the current depth chart for the Mammoth as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

These assignments demonstrate a tactical commitment by the Utah Mammoth to integrate young prospects into professional systems early. Developing talent against veteran opposition in the AHL serves as a key indicator of the team's long-term competitive goals.