In a highly anticipated move, the Utah Mammoth selected Caleb Desnoyers with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. The draft, held Friday night at The Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, saw the Mammoth secure a promising young talent in the form of the Moncton Wildcats center.
Desnoyers, an 18-year-old forward, is coming off a stellar season in the QMJHL. In 56 games with the Wildcats, he tallied 35 goals and 49 assists, accumulating 84 points. His performance didn't stop there; he elevated his game in the postseason, contributing significantly to Moncton's QMJHL championship win with 9 goals and 30 points in 19 games. Desnoyers' impressive playoff run earned him the postseason MVP award. He was also awarded the Paul Dumont Trophy for QMJHL personality of the year. Adding to his accolades, Desnoyers has already been named captain of the Wildcats for the 2025-26 season.
Observers describe Desnoyers as a dynamic and complete player with a high hockey IQ and strong playmaking abilities. He demonstrates versatility on the attack, capable of carrying the puck with poise and finding open passing lanes. He has a knack for identifying soft spots on the ice and makes smart decisions with the puck, always considering the best possible play. Furthermore, Desnoyers is known as a relentless defender who consistently executes the finer details in the neutral and defensive zones. He is also known to be a passionate, charismatic leader, beloved by teammates and coaches throughout his career.
While Desnoyers' offensive game might not be as explosive as some other top prospects, his all-around game and winning pedigree make him a valuable addition to the Utah Mammoth. He has represented Canada on gold-winning teams at the Under-17 and Under-18 World Championships and has also captured the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup.
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 172 pounds, Desnoyers possesses a frame that should allow him to adapt well to the professional level as he continues to develop. While he is still eligible for major junior hockey and expected to play another year with Moncton, his two-way intelligence and well-rounded skillset should position him to compete for an NHL roster spot relatively quickly. Some analysts predict that Desnoyers has the potential to become a top-six forward in the NHL.
The Utah Mammoth's prospect pool is growing into an impressive unit, with Desnoyers joining the ranks of Dmitry Simashev, Tij Iginla, and the recently acquired JJ Peterka.
