NHL training camps and pre-seasons are right around the corner, so with that it is time to look at three Utah Mammoth rookies you should keep an eye on during camp.

The Mammoth have one of, if not the deepest, prospect pools in the NHL and that will be on full display when training camp opens. They have a few prospects they may consider for an NHL role, at least for the first week or two of the season. So let's look at some of the names.

1. Tij Iginla - Forward

The first one is the most obvious choice. Tij Iginla will likely see time in the NHL before reporting back to the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL. After spending most of last season recovering from double hip surgery, Iginla is back healthy and ready to bring his best effort to try and make the opening night roster.

2. Dmitri Simashev - Defenseman

The next player that could push for a spot is Dmitri Simashev, who could make things interesting on the blue line early in camp. He may not be known for point production, but he is a strong defensive presence. As of right now, the Mammoth have seven NHL defensemen on their roster, including Juuso Valimaki. If Simashev can turn a few heads in camp, he could end up in the opening night lineup instead of one of the returning six from last season.

3. Daniil But - Forward

When the Mammoth announced that they had signed both Simashev and Daniil But, it had fans very excited. The next wave of Mammoth players had arrived, and now they will be pushing for a spot in the opening night lineup. But has the ability to produce points, more in a middle-six capacity. He will not be scoring 50-plus points, but he could chip in around 15 goals and 20–25 assists. Being only 20 years old, he can be taught to play in all situations.

With the free agent signings the organization made on July 1, it does appear that all three players listed above will eventually go back to their respective clubs. For Iginla, that means another year in the WHL. For Simashev and But, that likely means time in the AHL with the Tucson Roadrunners. It will give all three players another year of development before cementing themselves in the roster as everyday NHLers in 2026-27.

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