Utah Mammoth's top prospect Tij Iginla has officially been cleared to play during the 2025-26 season. After having double hip surgery, he spent most of the 2024-25 season, as well as the off-season, recovering.
Iginla spoke with Tom Gulitti from NHL.com and confirmed that he has been cleared for contact at the NHLPA Rookie Showcase, saying:
“I feel good. Just working back and sticking to the process, but it’s going well. I’m having fun.”
He underwent surgery back in December after dealing with the injury for some time. That forced him to miss the remainder of the season in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets. Now that he is cleared, he has his sights set on standing out at the Mammoth's training camp and potentially earning a spot on the opening night roster.
Iginla also spoke about what he is focusing on heading into his second training camp.
“Through the summer, keep getting stronger,” Iginla explained about his preparation for the season. “More powerful, all of that stuff from the weight room side of things. And then keep honing my skills on the ice and just go into camp as ready as I can. Try to give myself the best chance that I can to make the team."
If Iginla does make the opening night roster, it is not guaranteed that he will spend the entire season with the Mammoth. There is a good chance he will play a handful of games before returning to Kelowna and finishing the year in the WHL.
