5 Mammoth Prospects Who Will Battle For A Roster Spot In Training Camp

Spencer Lazary

Jul 31, 2025, 16:00

Spencer Lazary

Jul 31, 2025, 16:00

Updated at: Jul 31, 2025, 16:00

The Utah Mammoth might have the deepest prospect pool in the league. General manager Bill Armstrong has done a solid job building through the NHL Draft. It hasn’t been easy, and the team’s long stretch of rough seasons between their Arizona and Utah years gave them the chance to stockpile young talent. Now, a handful of those players are knocking on the door for NHL jobs.

With that in mind, here are five Mammoth prospects who deserve more attention heading into the 2025-26 season.

Daniil But, F

Daniil But is one of those players who could turn some heads at camp. He’s big, skilled, and has that pure goal scorer’s mentality that’s hard to teach. After another strong year overseas, he looks more confident and polished. He’s not just a long-term project anymore. He’s starting to look like a guy who could push for NHL minutes sooner than expected.

Utah doesn’t need to force anything here, but if But comes in and holds his own against NHL competition, they’ll have a tough decision to make. His size and offensive instincts give him something that stands out. And if he can show that his game holds up without the puck, it could open the door quicker than most thought. Whether it’s out of camp or sometime later in the year, But has a real shot to make the jump.

Elite Prospects describes his game as follows:

"The first thing that jumps out at you with But – once you get past the way he towers over everyone else on the ice – is just how coordinated, dextrous, and creative he is with the puck on his stick. His ability to chain difficult pass receptions into handling moves and handling moves into passes or shots is really quite remarkable. Not even just for someone his size, either. On top of that, But is a potent finisher, capable of getting his shot off on either leg, with a quick release, and almost textbook mechanical form."

Tij Iginla, F

Tij Iginla is going to be one to watch closely. His game has grown a lot over the past year. He’s fast, relentless, and always seems to be involved. He’s coming off a season where he was injured for most of the year. However, that isn't going to stop him from trying to make the opening night roster. There’s a confidence to his game, and it’s not out of the question that he pushes for NHL minutes sooner than most expected.

He’s still young, but he plays with maturity. He tracks well, finishes his shifts, and isn’t shy about getting to the tough areas. If he comes into camp and shows he can keep up physically and make plays at speed, the Mammoth may have to think hard about keeping him around. Iginla’s upside is real, and the early signs suggest he’s not far off.

Elite Prospects describes his game as follows:

"Iginla’s first in every exchange. As he enters the boards with an opponent, he takes a step into their space to knock them off balance. He goes out of his way to initiate contact, even leaving the puck behind temporarily to intercept the opponent with a shoulder. In the rare instance he’s not first to the puck, he traps opponents feet to the boards or times a perfect stick lift."

Cole Beaudoin, F

Cole Beaudoin is quietly making a name for himself with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League. He’s a coach’s type of player. Big frame, smart positioning, good motor. He doesn’t always stand out in flashy ways, but he’s effective. He’s the kind of player who does the small things that help win games, and his style seems built for the pro level.

Beaudoin had a strong year in junior and continues to build on his all-around game. He’s likely not a top-line guy, but that’s not what Utah will need from him anyway. If he comes into camp and plays his game—responsible, physical, and competitive, he could put himself firmly in the mix for a middle-six role, playing behind Logan Cooley and Barrett Hayton.

Elite Prospects describes his game as follows:

"Beaudoin eats up the boards, grinds them, spins off opponents, drags the puck out of traffic, and gets it to the middle of the ice. There’s not a battle that he can’t win, even when at a numbers disadvantage. And he drives the net, creating chaos there, tipping shots, and getting open for tap-ins. His impact is felt in all three zones. When opponents try to escape with the puck, all they hear are his heavy boots slamming the ice to catch up to them. He crushes them on the boards, comes back around to lift their stick and gets possession back."

Dmitri Simashev, D

Dmitri Simashev has the tools to be a difference-maker on the back end. He’s a smooth skater for his size, plays with composure, and doesn’t try to do too much. He’s spent another season rounding out his game and looks more comfortable with the puck than he did a year ago.

Utah has built out their blue line, so there’s no pressure to rush him, but Simashev could make things interesting. He’s not a player who will put up huge point totals, but his reads are good, he defends well, and he doesn’t waste time overcomplicating things. If he comes in and plays a steady, responsible game, there’s a path for him to slide into the lineup sooner than later.

Elite Prospects describes his game as follows:

He has perfect posture, sinking deep into his stride, with ample flexibility through his hips, knees, and ankles, allowing him to generate power and agility that few can match. He gaps up early in space and can match opponents speed with relative ease, and his considerable defensive range allows him to recover if he’s lost a step. He can match opponents footwork with ease in the small-area game, taking away time and space before closing with force.

Maveric Lamoureux, D

Maveric Lamoureux is another player to keep an eye on. His size is obviously the first thing you notice, but there’s more to his game than just reach and physicality. He’s gotten better at using his body effectively and seems to be gaining confidence with the puck. There’s still some polish needed, but the tools are there.

He had a solid year of development with the Tucson Roadrunners in the AHL, while also playing 15 game with the Mammoth. If he comes into camp and plays with discipline and consistency, he could force his way into a depth role or at least earn a long look. Even if he starts in the AHL again this season, Lamoureux looks like someone who the Mammoth see as a long-term fit on the blue line.

Elite Prospects describes his game as follows:

In the offensive zone, he activates, often ahead of the play. He anticipates openings and makes sure to become an option. He turns shots into passes from the far corners of the offensive zone. In transition, he uses the middle, tries to slip pucks through defenders, and identifies cross-lane opportunities. Defensively, he’s ultra-physical and gets on players early. It’s pretty exciting to watch.