SALT LAKE CITY – Following the conclusion of the 2025 NHL Draft and a productive day in free agency, it’s time for fans to begin familiarizing themselves with the Mammoth’s updated roster and learn what to expect from players like Caleb Desnoyers when the second season begins in October.
Beginning with the fourth overall selection from this year’s draft, Desnoyers is the next player profile to help fans get to know the refreshed Utah roster.
Caleb Desnoyers is an 18-year-old center from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
Drafted first overall by the Moncton Wildcats in the 2023 QMJHL Draft, Desnoyers transformed into a top five NHL draft pick with his elite hockey IQ, lethal playmaking, consistent scoring and promising two-way game.
Over the last two seasons in Moncton, the young center has simply been excellent for the Wildcats as he’s registered 140 points (55 G, 85 A) in 116 games.
Notably, Desnoyers also led his junior squad to a QMJHL Championship this past season with 30 total points in the playoffs.
Your 2024-2025 CHAMPIONS! 🏆 @monctonwildcats | #QPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/zc3Vik3FOD
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 19, 2025
For his efforts, Desnoyers was named the QMJHL Playoff MVP.
Caleb Desnoyers is the #QPlayoffs MVP!
The @monctonwildcats forward racked up 30 points (9G-21A) in 19 postseason games! 👏 pic.twitter.com/a1ivYQTT36
— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 19, 2025
Internationally, Desnoyers also helped Team Canada win gold at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge, 2024 U18 World Championships and 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
After winning the lottery and jumping up to the fourth overall pick, the Utah Mammoth selected Caleb Desnoyers from the QMJHL.
Got our guy 🩵🙌 pic.twitter.com/X899uQE60k
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) June 28, 2025
So, what exactly does this young center bring to the Mammoth?
Phenomenal vision, dangerous creativity, nasty handles, and a highly accurate shot.
Whether he’s driving towards the net, surveying the zone, crowding the crease or weaving through defensemen, Desnoyers processes the game lightning fast which allows him to make threatening plays.
“You win by building through the middle of the ice,” General Manager Bill Armstrong said of Desnoyers following the draft.
“We had a chance to draft him, and he’s got a little bit of everything we want. He’s got the skill; he’s got the high hockey IQ and he’s someone who led his team to a championship.”
Just three days after being selected fourth overall by the Utah Mammoth in the 2025 NHL Draft, Caleb Desnoyers took the ice for the first time in a Utah sweater.
Desnoyers takes the ice for the first time.#TusksUp pic.twitter.com/SJ5KvpAycw
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) June 30, 2025
How did he look?
Good.
About as good as an 18-year-old prospect could look during a 90-minute session.
He skated strong, demonstrated his offensive abilities and was confident on the puck.
Ok, this is some filth from Desnoyers.
No goal, but watch him lift his left leg to kick it back towards the net front.
Thats ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/ROL8YEjY2c
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 1, 2025
“He’s an impressive kid. We were thrilled when we drafted him. Great personality,” Director of Player Development Lee Stempniak said.
“He’s young. It’s going to take time but naturally, he’s talented…he’s going to be a great fit for Utah.”
After participating in Utah’s development camp, the young center is expected to attend rookie camp, the rookie showcase and eventually, training camp.
“My goal right now is to surprise everyone and make the team next year,” Desnoyers said.
“I’m the first person to realize how tough and hard it’s going to be but I’m the first person also to do everything that it will take.”
While Desnoyers is anxious to prove himself and surprise everyone by claiming a roster spot this fall, he’ll likely require another year or two of development before he’s ready to finally make his debut.
What will it take to get there?
In addition to simply becoming a better player overall, Desnoyers needs to add weight and strength before he’s ready to challenge NHL skaters.
“He’s got some work to do,” Armstrong said. “He’s got to put on some weight and become hockey strong at the NHL level.”
“It’ll be a great challenge for him in the way that he attacks it. You never know how quick he can get there…it’s a year-to-year evaluation.”
Until then, it’ll be a great challenge for the young prospect as he works tirelessly to join the Mammoth as they build towards a championship level roster.
