Utah Mammoth Assigned Caleb Desnoyers to Tucson
The Mammoth sent the top draft pick to their AHL affiliate to continue his professional development.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Hockey
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The Utah Mammoth have assigned Caleb Desnoyers to the Tucson Roadrunners for the 2026-27 season. Desnoyers, a 2025 draft pick, will begin his professional career with the team's AHL affiliate.
Why it matters
The team management determined that Desnoyers requires further adjustment to the physical and skilled nature of the AHL. This move is designed to prepare the prospect for a potential future role on the Utah Mammoth roster.
Desnoyers was selected 4th overall in the 2025 draft and recorded 78 points in 45 games with the Moncton Wildcats during the 2025-26 season. His development is supported by head coach Steve Potvin, who paired him with Tij Iginla during preseason action.
The players
Caleb Desnoyers
He is a top-tier hockey prospect who was selected 4th overall by the Utah Mammoth in the 2025 draft.
Tij Iginla
He is a professional hockey player and former 6th overall draft selection who skated alongside Desnoyers in training camp.
Steve Potvin
He serves as the head coach and is responsible for managing the development and deployment of players on the roster.
The details
Following a training camp, the Mammoth decided to move the forward to the Tucson Roadrunners. He previously showcased his scoring ability with a goal in a preseason game against the Texas Stars and spent time training alongside teammates on the power play.
Timeline
Caleb Desnoyers was drafted 4th overall by the Utah Mammoth in 2025.
Desnoyers recorded 78 points while playing for the Moncton Wildcats during the 2025-26 season.
The forward joined the Tucson Roadrunners for the AHL season in October 2026.
Desnoyers is scheduled to play his first professional game on Saturday.
Season Trajectory
This move reflects the organizational commitment to the American Hockey League development pipeline as a proving ground for young talent. By prioritizing professional experience, the team aims to build a competitive roster while managing the long-term transition of their top prospects.
Desnoyers will begin his professional career on Saturday, providing a new focal point for fans following the Roadrunners' lineup. His placement on the power play during preseason suggests he will likely see significant ice time in his debut.
The takeaway
Developing young prospects in the AHL is a strategic necessity for teams looking to build sustainable success. Fans can expect to see Desnoyers refine his physical play before he is considered for a permanent role at the NHL level.
Further reading
For more information on the team roster and development news, visit the Hockey section.
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