The Mammoth weren't sure if they would see both Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers healthy enough to start the season. However, both mega prospects appear fully healthy and ready to play.
The highly touted prospects can have an immediate impact on the Mammoth.
Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers are ready for 2026-27
Tij Iginla, 20, selected seventh overall in the 2024 NHL draft, said he has improved his strength and speed, according to Cole Bagley of KSLSports. Iginla wants to "show off" this improvement in his game, which is quite exciting to hear for Utah fans.
Tij Iginla said he feels good and had a great summer.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 17, 2026
Noted he improved his strength/speed and wants to “show it off.”
Last season, Iginla scored 41 goals and added 49 assists in only 49 WHL games. Iginla is expected to play in the NHL at the start of the 2026-27 season. He is one of the top prospects in the NHL and has an enormous ceiling.
Caleb Desnoyers, meanwhile, 19, was selected fourth overall in the 2025 NHL draft. He can play in the NHL this season, though he has a good chance of playing in the AHL first, since Utah doesn't need Desnoyers right now. Bagley also shared that Desnoyers is feeling "100%", which is nice considering the concern around Desnoyers' health after a collision in the summer.
Caleb Desnoyers says he feels “really good” coming into camp.
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 17, 2026
Added he’d been in Utah for about 2 weeks rehabbing his injury but he’s “100%”
He seemed confident he’d play in some preseason games but said he’d to check with the team.
One of the most exciting things to watch in 2026-27 will be the development of Iginla and Desnoyers. Both can be the future of the franchise. If Utah can get a good season from one of those players, then that could also be big in Utah's quest for the Stanley Cup.
GM Bill Armstrong has shown his desire for Utah to compete. And these mega prospects can make that happen.
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