Cole Beaudoin participates in an on-ice session at the Utah Mammoth prospect development camp at the Park City Ice Arena in Park City on Monday, June 30, 2025 (Tess Crowley, Deseret News).
(Tess Crowley, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Following the completion of the 2025 NHL Draft, the Utah Mammoth’s deep pool of prospects made their way to Salt Lake City to participate in an intra-squad scrimmage at the Olympic Oval.
Here are two notable takeaways from today’s scrimmage:
After dominating the practice sessions and demonstrating his incredible talent earlier in the week, Dmitri Simashev was awarded the Development Game MVP as he finished with a goal and an assist (I think, there were no official stats but that’s what I counted).
While Simashev’s elite skating was on display throughout camp, it was his offensive assertiveness that really stood out during the scrimmage.
Related: Utah Mammoth Development Camp: Notes From Day Two
On the majority of his shifts, Simashev was pushing the pace, directing breakouts, setting up in the zone and attacking the net.
Simashev is very involved offensively today.
Flying up the ice with the puck and attacking the net.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 3, 2025
In terms of his points, his assist was a well-orchestrated pass as Team Black worked the zone and eventually found the back of the net.
As for his goal, Simashev stepped up from the blue line, weaved his way through traffic, used his body to shield off defensemen and beat Michael Hrabal low to open the scoring.
Nasty work by Simashev.
His offensive assertiveness was on full display this afternoon. https://t.co/GNliS5BTf8
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 3, 2025
“Puck play for me. He skates so well, he’s going to defend well,” Director of Player Development Lee Stempniak said about Simashev.
“The thing for us is, I think he hasn’t scratched the surface yet with the puck…he had more poise with the puck this year than last year…it’s taken another level.”
Looking ahead to training camp, the defensive roster spots are going to be an epic battle amongst 10 skaters.
But based on the progress we’ve seen during development camp, Simashev should be right in the middle of it with a great chance to see minutes next season.
While Simashev may have been awarded the MVP, Cole Beaudoin had arguably the strongest showing of the day and was given the Award of Excellence by the development staff.
What stood out the most about his game on Thursday?
He is SCRAPPY.
On his way to two goals and an assist, Beaudoin was consistently battling along the boards, digging in the corners, crowding the crease, shutting down lanes, closing gaps and even threw himself in front of a shot.
I’m reminded how SCRAPPY Beaudoin is.
He’s all over the ice today.
Just laid out to block a shot…in a development game. Kid is all heart.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 3, 2025
“His work ethic jumps off the chart…We can tell he’s putting work in the gym to turn that strength into hockey strength,” Stempniak explained.
“He’s got a non-stop motor; he just never gives up…he’s really tough to contain…not many guys are going to stop him.”
Stepping into his second season as a Mammoth prospect, Beaudoin has a lot going for him.
He’s hungry, ambitious, driven and is going to do whatever it takes to not only make the roster at some point, but make an impact.
“I’m going to keep working hard this summer so I can make the team,” Beaudoin said.
“Going into camp, believing in myself & I think they believe in me. So, I want to be a big part of this team…I want to show I’m worthy to be on that team.”
Cole Beaudoin wants to push for a roster spot: “I’m going to keep working hard this summer so I can make the team.”
“Going into camp, believing in myself & I think they believe in me. So, I want to be a big part of this team…I want to show I’m worthy to be on that team.” pic.twitter.com/3PLbY1nTi5
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) July 3, 2025
Now, given Utah’s deep group of young and talented forwards, Beaudoin may not crack the roster for another year or so.
However, with his drive, attitude and abilities, he just might make some noise at training camp and could force the coaching staff to make a really tough decision.
The next notable event for the Utah Mammoth will be rookie camp near the beginning of September.
The first preseason game will take place on September 21 against the Colorado Avalanche.
