The Utah Mammoth are building something special in Salt Lake City, and their prospect pipeline is a major reason for optimism heading into the 2025-26 season. After relocating from Arizona, general manager Bill Armstrong’s patient rebuild is finally bearing fruit, with several high-end prospects either pushing for NHL roster spots or making significant strides in their development. From recovering stars to towering defensemen, the organization’s youth movement is taking shape in ways that should excite fans for years to come.
The Mammoth’s approach to drafting has been clear: size, skill, and character matter. While other franchises chase pure speed or offensive flash, Utah has assembled a collection of prospects who combine physical presence with hockey intelligence. This philosophy reflects throughout their system, from junior hockey to the AHL’s Tucson Roadrunners, where multiple first-round picks are now transitioning to professional hockey.
Key developments in the Utah Mammoth top prospects update 2025-26 season: The Russian contingent
Dmitriy Simashev has spent three seasons in the KHL, learning to play professional hockey against men while still a teenager. The 6-foot-4 defenseman signed his three-year entry-level contract in May after finishing his obligations with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. At 20 years old, Simashev possesses the skating ability unusual for someone his size, combined with shutdown defensive capabilities that should have him competing for NHL minutes this season.
Armstrong has been effusive in his praise: “He might be the biggest (defenseman) I’ve ever drafted. He can cover ground. He’s one of the best skaters. He works at his game. He’s extremely good on the (defensive) side of the puck. And there’s some room for him to grow offensively too.” While Simashev may start the season in Tucson to acclimate to North American rinks, don’t be surprised if he’s wearing a Mammoth jersey before Christmas. His top-four potential is real, and Utah’s blueline could use his physical presence and defensive awareness.
Daniil But, Simashev’s former Lokomotiv teammate, brings an even more imposing frame at 6-foot-6. The forward recorded 28 points in 54 KHL games last season and signed his entry-level deal on the same day as Simashev. But’s game revolves around using his massive reach to win puck battles in tight spaces and unleashing a powerful shot from dangerous areas. According to The Hockey Writers, But has already notched his first AHL goal with Tucson and registered three points through four games. His learning curve in North America will be steep, but the tools are there for a successful power forward career.
AHL progress shaping the Utah Mammoth top prospects update 2025-26 season
Maveric Lamoureux’s development has been hindered by injuries, but the 6-foot-7 defenseman is finally gaining traction. After appearing in 15 NHL games last season and scoring his first NHL goal against Calgary on October 30, an upper-body injury derailed his momentum. This year, he’s healthy and contributing in Tucson, posting two assists with a plus-5 rating through four games—a significant improvement over his previous AHL performance.
At 21, Lamoureux represents the Mammoth’s 2022 first-round selection, and his combination of size and surprising mobility makes him an intriguing project. His ability to use his 6-foot-7 frame to control the defensive zone while maintaining decent foot speed gives him legitimate NHL upside. If he can remain healthy and continue refining his positioning, a full-time NHL role could materialize by the 2026-27 season.
Michael Hrabal, the organization’s goaltending prospect of the future, has shown considerable growth at UMass. Standing 6-foot-6, Hrabal improved his consistency throughout his sophomore season, displaying better coverage down low and more controlled movements. His performance at the World Juniors also demonstrated progress, and he’s returning to Massachusetts for a third season to continue his development. Utah hasn’t had a true franchise goaltender in its brief history, and Hrabal could become the answer if his trajectory continues upward.
Cole Beaudoin, selected 24th overall in 2024, has exploded offensively with the Barrie Colts. Through seven OHL games, he’s amassed 12 points, including five goals—a pace that would translate to 45 goals and 108 points over a full season. While those numbers represent a small sample size, they indicate Beaudoin is taking a significant developmental step forward. His physical strength and defensive responsibility make him a prototypical bottom-six center, but improved offensive production could push him into a more prominent role.
Contract situations and future planning for Utah Mammoth top prospects update 2025-26 season
The organization faces interesting decisions regarding its current roster construction and how prospects fit into those plans. Logan Cooley, while not technically a prospect after playing significant NHL time, represents a critical piece of Utah’s core. Reports indicate he turned down an eight-year extension worth $77 million, choosing instead to bet on himself this season.
This creates both opportunity and pressure throughout the system. With Cooley’s contract situation unresolved and Nick Schmaltz entering the final year of his deal, Utah may need to rely more heavily on entry-level contracts to manage the salary cap. This opens doors for prospects like But, Simashev, and potentially Beaudoin to earn roster spots sooner than anticipated.
The chemistry between Clayton Keller and Schmaltz has been exceptional, with Schmaltz posting nine points through seven games this season. Head coach Andre Tourigny praised their connection, comparing it to successful NHL duos like Brad Marchand and Patrice Bergeron in Boston. However, with Utah projected to have $37.7 million in cap space for 2026-27 and needing to re-sign multiple key players, tough decisions loom. The influx of talented prospects on cheaper contracts could allow the organization to make difficult choices about expensive veterans.
Depth pieces making noise in the Utah Mammoth top prospects update 2025-26 season
Beyond the headliners, several depth prospects are forcing their way into the conversation. Artyom Duda, a 2022 second-round pick, has matched Lamoureux’s output with three assists in four AHL games. His strong showing at both prospect camp and main training camp earned him extended looks from the organization, and he’s capitalizing on the opportunity in Tucson.
Max Pšenička, selected 46th overall in 2025, benefited from a trade to Portland in the WHL that increased his ice time significantly. The 6-foot-5 defenseman combines mobility with physical play and defensive awareness. While his offensive game needs refinement, he possesses the foundational skills to become a reliable NHL defenseman. Given Utah’s preference for size on the blue line, Pšenička fits the organizational mold perfectly.
Will Skahan continues developing at Boston College, where his 6-foot-4 frame and aggressive defensive style make him a difficult player to contain. He lacks offensive upside, which likely caps his ceiling at a bottom-pairing role, but his physicality and penalty-killing ability give him a pathway to the NHL. Skahan is expected to represent Team USA at the upcoming World Junior Championship, providing another high-level development opportunity.
Julian Lutz struggled during his first full AHL season, managing just 13 points in 56 games. However, the German winger showed improvement late in the campaign, playing more responsibly defensively and demonstrating his willingness to block shots. At 21, he needs a bounce-back season to remain in organizational plans, but his speed and defensive commitment offer hope for a bottom-six energy role if he can find consistency.
The Utah Mammoth’s prospect pipeline reflects a clear organizational philosophy: draft big players who can skate, prioritize character and compete level, and allow development to take its natural course. This patient approach, championed by Armstrong since his arrival, is finally producing NHL-ready talent across multiple positions. While the system may lack the depth of traditional powerhouses like Montreal or San Jose, the hit rate on high draft picks has been impressive. Desnoyers, Iginla, Simashev, and But all project as impact NHLers, giving Utah a strong foundation for sustained success.
The 2025-26 season will serve as a critical evaluation period for several prospects. Can Simashev and But successfully transition to North American professional hockey? Will Iginla stay healthy and dominate junior hockey? How will Desnoyers respond after wrist surgery? These questions will shape not only individual careers but also the franchise’s competitive timeline. With a strong NHL core already in place featuring Keller, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther, the influx of cost-controlled talent from the prospect ranks could accelerate Utah’s rise from rebuilding project to playoff contender. The pieces are falling into place, and the future in Salt Lake City has never looked brighter.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.