Utah Mammoth assign Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers to AHL Tucson

The Utah Mammoth moved two of their top prospects to the minors on Friday, assigning forwards Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers to their AHL affiliate in Tucson. The roster decisions are part of the club’s ongoing efforts to shape its lineup ahead of the upcoming NHL season.

Top prospects Iginla and Desnoyers begin pro journey in AHL

Both Iginla and Desnoyers are recent first-round picks of the Mammoth. Iginla was taken sixth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, while Desnoyers went fourth overall the year before. Each forward suited up for Canada at the most recent world junior championship, underscoring their status as key pieces in Utah’s long-term plans.

Iginla is coming off a standout season with Kelowna in the WHL, where he scored 41 goals and added 49 helpers for 90 points in 48 games. Desnoyers also had a prolific year with Moncton in the QMJHL, producing 22 goals and 56 assists over 45 contests for a 78-point campaign.

Desnoyers earned league MVP honours in the QMJHL in 2024-25 after helping lead Moncton to the championship. His assignment to Tucson now gives him a first full opportunity to adjust to the pace and physicality of professional hockey in North America.

New CHL-AHL rule and additional Mammoth cuts

Before this season, Desnoyers would not have been eligible to play in the AHL at 19. A new agreement now allows NHL clubs to send 19-year-old first-round picks coming from the CHL to the AHL, and Utah is taking advantage of that change by placing its young centre in a pro environment earlier in his development.

The Mammoth also sent goaltender Michael Hrabal to Tucson. Hrabal was named Hockey East player of the year last season at UMass and will now transition to the professional ranks. Forwards Yegor Borikov and Gabe Smith were likewise assigned to Utah’s AHL affiliate as the organization continues to pare down its camp roster.

In addition, forwards Brandon Tanev and Joshua Roy, along with defenceman Zac Jones, were placed on waivers for the purpose of being assigned to Tucson. They must clear waivers before they can report to the AHL club, leaving open the possibility that another NHL team could claim them during the process.