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Utah Hockey Club - Future Watch - Feb. 24, 2025 – Vol. 78, Issue 08
A- | RANK: 5TH
The NHL is in Utah for the long haul, and while the Hockey Club may not have a permanent name just yet, what they do possess is a deep well of prospects who could thrill their newfound fans for years to come. During his playing days, GM Bill Armstrong was an intimidating blueliner who checked in at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, and he sure likes players cut from that same cloth. Utah’s prospect ranks are stocked with big players who play a physically imposing game. That, along with a balance of high-energy, high-skill forwards, gives the Utah faithful a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
1 TIJ IGINLA
C, 18, 6-0, 195
Kelowna (WHL)
21–14–18–32–13
2024 draft, 6th overall
OVERALL 10
Iginla, the first draft pick in team history, was on a tear for Kelowna at the end of November before having to shut down his post-draft season after undergoing hip surgery in early December. Utah scouts have raved over Iginla’s rapid improvement and think he can evolve into an elite NHL scorer. “I said to him, we have a lot of 20-goal scorers; we need a 50-goal scorer,” Armstrong said. “He’s got a chance to kind of push the pace and score some goals for us. I love his mindset.”
FW24 | new NHL | 2026-27
2 DMITRIY SIMASHEV
D, 20, 6-4, 198
Yaroslavl (KHL)
49–1–5–6–4
2023 draft, 6th overall
OVERALL 20
Scouts have called Simashev’s skating form and posture “perfect.” That’s especially impressive at his size. He has not found the scoresheet too often with Lokomotiv this year, but he has seen his ice time increase dramatically the past few seasons. Simashev’s long stick and skating ability give him a massive defensive range and make it nearly impossible for opponents to break into the offensive zone with speed. He has all the tools to be a premier shutdown D-man.
FW24 | 1 (Ari) NHL | 2026-27
3 DANIIL BUT
LW, 20, 6-5, 203
Yaroslavl (KHL)
47–9–15–24–16
2023 draft, 12th overall
OVERALL 29
But, who’s been compared to Buffalo’s Tage Thompson by some, possesses remarkable skating ability for someone his size. What really makes scouts’ mouths water, however, has been his offensive creativity and potent scoring touch. His shot, on either leg, has been labelled as “textbook.” The son of longtime KHL mainstay Anton But has also seen his role evolve with Lokomotiv recently. But, who just turned 20, has been playing a grown man’s game for a while now. It’s paying off.
FW24 | 3 (Ari) NHL | 2026-27
4 MAVERIC LAMOUREUX
D, 21, 6-7, 214
Tucson (AHL)
17–2–6–8–12
2022, 29th overall
OVERALL 56
Lamoureux showed great confidence with the puck after being called into NHL duty when a slew of injuries besieged Utah’s blueline. He showed zero hesitation getting physically involved – but he could stand to dial things back; after just 15 games, he’d quickly become Utah’s PIM leader. Still, he shows great poise and can provide offense from the deep corners of the zone, creating rebounds and shot-passes from range. He will become a vital, physically imposing piece on Utah’s back end.
FW24 | 4 (Ari) NHL | 2026-27
5 COLE BEAUDOIN
C, 18, 6-2, 211
Barrie (OHL)
37–17–21–38–4
2024 draft, 24th overall
Utah traded three picks to get back into the first round of the 2024 prospect call to draft Beaudoin. Management has praised the “physical specimen” for his work ethic and high motor. He’s an agent of chaos in all three zones; just ask those who watched Canada at the WJC. Armstrong hopes Beaudoin can, in addition to being a difference-maker on the ice, also become a leader among his mates. “His work ethic might change the culture of our organization,” Armstrong said, “just how hard he plays.”
FW24 | new NHL | 2027-28
6 ARTEM DUDA
D, 20, 6-1, 187
Tucson (AHL)
45–2–15–17–4
2022 draft, 36th overall
Playmaking two-way ‘D’ possesses strong decision-making skills with the puck.
7 MICHAEL HRABAL
G, 20, 6-7, 215
UMass (HE)
14–10–2, 2.47, .924
2023 draft, 38th overall
Long frame helps him defeat screens. Gets from post-to-post quickly and effectively.
8 JOSH DOAN
RW, 23, 6-1, 185
Tucson (AHL)
28–11–15–26–22
2021 draft, 37th overall
Changes momentum through his determination and tenacity as a forechecker.
9 TOMAS LAVOIE
D, 18, 6-4, 218
Cape Breton (QMJHL)
46–11–34–45–24
2024 draft, 89th overall
Prototypical Armstrong D-man: big body, intimidating presence and a long stick.
10 JONATHAN CASTAGNA
C, 19, 6-2, 200
Cornell (ECAC)
23–3–8–11–14
2023 draft, 70th overall
Quick hands, feet and multi-dimensional skating ability. Dangerous on the rush.
21-AND-UNDER NHLERS | LOGAN COOLEY, C, 20; DYLAN GUENTHER, RW, 21
