The Moncton star will likely push for a spot in the NHL out of training camp next season.
As the QMJHL regular season comes to a close, we've seen a handful of top prospects sign their NHL entry-level contracts.
Next up is recent fourth overall pick from the Utah Mammoth Caleb Desnoyers, who put pen to paper Monday morning on his NHL deal.
The Moncton Wildcats captain has 78 (22+56) points in 45 games this season, leading his team to their second consecutive Jean-Rougeau Trophy as regular season champions after missing both Mammoth training camp and the first portion of the season with a wrist injury.
Caleb Desnoyers with the Moncton Wildcats. (Photo: Daniel St-Louis)Desnoyers is seen as a cerebral, two-way centre who can both put up points and play a strong defensive game at the NHL level. This acumen, plus a monster 2024-25 campaign vaulted him up draft boards, as the Mammoth snagged him with the fourth pick in the 2025 draft.
The St-Hyacinthe native also represented Canada at this year's World Juniors, posting six assists in seven games while moving up the lineup throughout the tournament.
With the NHL/AHL/CHL agreement expected to allow 19-year-old first-round picks to play in the AHL starting next season, it makes it almost guaranteed Desnoyers will turn pro next season.
He'll likely have a fair crack at making the Utah team out of camp, but it's now possible for them to give him a run in the AHL to help his development.
For now, though, he'll be focused on trying to lead his Wildcats back to the Memorial Cup for the second consecutive season.
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