The Utah Mammoth have a very difficult decision to make with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. There are reports that they’re open to moving it, and Elliotte Friedman has mentioned that they’re looking to take a big swing. Now, there’s another report that could point in a different direction.
According to Cole Bagley of KSL Sports in Utah, the Mammoth recently took James Hagens out to dinner. That puts him in exclusive company—joining only Michael Misa as the two prospects Utah has taken out so far.
If this is any indication, it could mean the Mammoth are leaning toward keeping the pick and using it to select another top-end prospect to add to their already deep prospect pool.
It’s starting to look like Misa won’t be available by the time Utah picks at four. If he isn’t taken by the New York Islanders or San Jose Sharks, the Chicago Blackhawks might step in and grab him. The same thing goes for Hagens—if one of the three teams ahead of Utah are high on him, that could make the Mammoth’s decision a lot easier.
But if either Misa or Hagens is still on the board at four, it’s safe to say the Mammoth will likely call one of their names and make them part of the organization.
That said, it’s draft day—anything can happen. Utah might go into June 24 fully planning to draft one of Hagens or Misa, only to get an offer involving the pick that they simply can’t pass up. And just like that, everything could change. That’s the magic of the NHL Draft.
Keep it locked here—we’re just 21 days away from the 2025 NHL Draft, and things around the league are only starting to heat up.
