What Is Utah Mammoth’s Plan Heading Into 2025 NHL Draft?
Jun 13, 2025, 6:29 PM

As I have said many times on my show and in these articles, I’m not a journalist. I’m a lifelong hockey player and fan who now gets to host a podcast and write articles based on what I see, know, and feel after over 25 years of involvement in the pro side of the sport, including as an EBUG, equipment representative, and avid game watcher.
It’s been entertaining to sit back and watch real journalists scramble for stories to write during the off-season, creating trade rumors based on speculation and educated guesswork. Now it’s my turn to guess what Bill Armstrong and the Utah Mammoth are going to do this summer.
It’s not as entertaining and requires a significant amount of research. After a surprising leap in the 2025 NHL Draft Lottery, which vaulted them from the 14th to the 4th overall pick, General Manager Bill Armstrong and Head Coach André Tourigny are ready to shape the future of a team that’s rapidly emerging from its rebuild.
With a deep prospect pool, a passionate fanbase, and a clear vision, the Mammoth are at a crossroads: draft a game-changer, trade for an established star, or blend both strategies to accelerate their playoff push as Armstrong declared after the lottery win, “Just great stuff for the franchise. I can’t express in words the excitement of when that happened and the opportunity in front of us.”
Bill Armstrong has also reiterated, time and time again, on my show and to anyone else who would listen, that he’s not willing to sacrifice the long-term build of this team for immediate but short-term success.

The 4th Overall Pick: Drafting a Cornerstone or Trading for a Star?
The 2025 NHL Draft, set for June 27-28 in Los Angeles, offers a wealth of talent, particularly at the top.
With the New York Islanders holding the No. 1 pick, consensus top prospects Matthew Schaefer (a dynamic defenseman) and Michael Misa (an elite-scoring center) are expected to go 1-2, leaving Utah with a tantalizing array of options at No. 4.
The Mammoth’s needs are precise: depth at center, size, scoring, and physicality to complement their young core of Logan Cooley, Dylan Guenther, and Clayton Keller. Armstrong has emphasized a best-player-available approach, stating, “Picking at four will give us an opportunity to get a real good player that will have some impact in the coming years in this franchise.”
That was HUGE ‼️
We will have the 4th overall pick in the 2025 @NHL Draft! pic.twitter.com/gHBvqHZSzW
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) May 5, 2025
Draft Prospects in Focus
Several prospects align with Utah’s needs, and the Mammoth have reportedly taken a close look at four players during the NHL Scouting Combine: James Hagens, Brady Martin, Porter Martone, and Jake O’Brien.
Each brings a unique skill set, and Armstrong’s history of bold draft choices—like selecting Dmitri Simashev and Tij Iginla higher than projected—suggests he’s unafraid to trust his scouting team.
James Hagens (C, Boston College): Once the consensus No. 1 prospect, Hagens has slipped slightly due to a modest freshman season (37 points in NCAA play) but remains an elite playmaker. At 5-foot-10, his size raises questions, but his vision and rush offense mirror Cooley’s game. Hagens, who admires Cooley’s control of the ice, said, “The way [Cooley] has been able to jump in the league and the things he’s done, it’s special.” Coach Tourigny, who values speed and creativity, could see Hagens as a future top-six center. “We need players who can make plays in tight spaces and drive the game,” Tourigny noted in a recent interview. However, Hagens’ smaller frame might not fully align with Utah’s desire for physicality.
Just a couple of the top 2025 #NHLDraft prospects taking in the #StanleyCup Final. 👏
Cc: Michael Misa, Matthew Schaefer, James Hagens & Jake O’Brien
🇺🇸: @NHL_On_TNT & @SportsonMax ➡️ https://t.co/4TuyIATi3T
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/JBaTW47UTt— NHL (@NHL) June 10, 2025
Brady Martin (C, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds): A riser after a stellar combine, Martin’s physicality, net-front presence, and lethal shot make him a prototypical Armstrong pick. With 33 goals and 72 points in the OHL, Martin’s high motor and defensive game fit Utah’s identity. “We took Brady Martin to dinner this week during the combine, and I must say, he looks like the type of player Bill Armstrong would love on his team,” an X post from @UtahMammoth_PR raved. Armstrong’s penchant for reaching on high-character players (like Simashev and Iginla) could see Martin selected at No. 4, despite rankings placing him 7th to 11th. “We’re excited to add players who compete every shift,” Armstrong said, hinting at Martin’s appeal. Originally projected as a late 1st to mid 2nd round pick, but after the combine, most mock drafts have him either going to Utah with the 4th pick, or Utah trading the 4th pick and picking Martin up somewhere between 7th and 15th. This also could be a Bill Armstrong smoke screen.
Porter Martone (RW, Brampton Steelheads): Originally my favorite pick for the Mammoth. At 6-foot-2, 208 pounds, Martone is a power forward with 98 points (37 goals, 61 assists) in the OHL. His elite hands and leadership (he captained the Steelheads) make him a fan favorite, but his skating needs refinement. Analyst Tony Ferrari called him “the epitome of highly skilled power forwards,” a perfect fit for Utah’s need for size and net presence. Tourigny, who prioritizes players who “battle in the dirty areas,” could envision Martone alongside Cooley. “We want guys who can impose their will on the game,” Tourigny said, a nod to Martone’s physical style.
View this post on Instagram
Caleb Desnoyers (C, Moncton Wildcats): A dark horse, Desnoyers’ two-way game and playoff heroics (30 points in 16 QMJHL games) have caught Utah’s eye. Analyst Chris Peters noted, “It wouldn’t shock me if Caleb Desnoyer is a realistic option for Utah because I think he’s the kind of No. 2 center where you get the two-way value out of him.” Desnoyers’ aggressive defense and interior play align with Armstrong’s vision of a hard-to-play-against team. “We’re looking for character athletes who fit our system,” Armstrong said, suggesting Desnoyers could be a surprise pick.
Trade Rumors Swirl
While the draft offers high-end talent, rumors suggest Armstrong is open to trading the 4th pick for a young, proven top-six forward to accelerate Utah’s playoff push. Analyst David Pagnotta reported, “The Utah Mammoth are believed to be open to moving the fourth-overall pick… for a young top-six, NHL-proven forward.”
Names like Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson have surfaced, though such a deal would require significant assets beyond the pick. Armstrong acknowledged the interest, saying, “I think people will try to get into that pick… We’ll always talk about it. We’ll never shut that door.”
A potential trade scenario could involve packaging the No. 4 pick with a prospect like Josh Doan or a veteran like Nick Bjugstad to land a star like Robertson, who’s 25 and coming off an 80-point season. However, Armstrong cautioned, “It would likely take a Mikhail Sergachev type of deal… a clear and obvious upgrade for a young veteran.”
Trading down to the 8-12 range to acquire additional picks or a roster player (e.g., a top-four right-shot defenseman) is another option, with prospects like Radim Mrtka or Jackson Smith as targets.
Ultimately, the Mammoth’s deep prospect pool—bolstered by 26 picks over the next three years—gives Armstrong flexibility. “With the fourth overall pick, we are confident that we will add another great player to one of the top prospect pools in the NHL,” he said, leaving the door open to either drafting or dealing.
Should the Utah Mammoth use the fourth pick to add to their young core, or try to trade it for a proven asset?@uthockeypod @BagleyKSLsports pic.twitter.com/sY62X710ub
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) June 6, 2025
Utah’s Prospect Pipeline: Who’s Next?
The Mammoth’s prospect pool is among the NHL’s deepest, with 42 players drafted since Armstrong’s 2020 arrival. Several are poised to compete for roster spots in 2025-26, joining young NHLers like Cooley, Guenther, Jack McBain, and Josh Doan.
Here’s a look at key prospects and their paths to the roster, with insights from Armstrong and Tourigny.
Tij Iginla (F, 2024, 6th Overall): Utah’s first-ever draft pick, Iginla underwent hip surgery in December 2024 but is progressing well. Compared to Cooley for his passion, Iginla’s strong shot and physicality evoke his Hall of Fame father, Jarome. “Tij reminded me of Logan in terms of their compete for the game,” Armstrong said. Iginla is ineligible to play in the AHL due to his age, if he does not make the NHL roster, he will be sent back to juniors. Iginla could earn a call-up if he excels. Tourigny, who values work ethic, noted, “Players like Tij, who sneak out to skate before practice, are the ones who make it.”
2025 NHL PROSPECTS REPORT: #8 Utah Mammoth 🦣
With a strong core in place, the Mammoth has a deep pipeline led by Tij Iginla, Maveric Lamoureux, and Dmitri Simashev — towering blueliners ready to make the leap.
Daniil But and Cole Beaudoin add even more intrigue to a… pic.twitter.com/XeZTCK2Lwe
— McKeen’s Hockey (@mckeenshockey) May 30, 2025
Dmitri Simashev (D, 2023, 6th Overall): A 6-foot-4 defenseman, Simashev signed his entry-level contract and will join Utah in 2025-26 after a KHL season with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl. His skating and two-way game draw comparisons to Victor Hedman. “We took a big swing at the draft… There were some who questioned us, but no risk, no reward,” Armstrong said of Simashev’s selection. With Utah’s defense crowded (six signed blueliners), Simashev may split time between the NHL and AHL, but Tourigny sees potential: “His size and mobility give us a different look on the back end.” If you listen to this week’s episode of the Utah Puck Report, you can hear the story of how Armstrong’s team of scouts discovered Simashev and But during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the COVID-19 restrictions. Either player could have possibly been a first-overall pick had more scouts been able to see them play.
Daniil But (F, 2023, 12th Overall): A 6-foot-5 winger, But also signed his entry-level deal and is set for North America in 2025-26. His 28 KHL points show promise, and his size fits Utah’s identity. “We thought they were the two best players on the board,” Armstrong said of But and Simashev. But could compete for a bottom-six role, with Tourigny noting, “We need big bodies who can play a strong, two-way game.”
Maveric Lamoureux (D, 2022, 29th Overall): After overcoming two shoulder surgeries, Lamoureux played 15 NHL games in 2024-25, scoring his first goal. His 6-foot-7 frame and mobility make him a shutdown defender. “Maveric went through some injuries, too. The biggest thing is reps,” Armstrong said. Likely to start in the NHL, Lamoureux could pair with Olli Määttä, whom Tourigny praised: “Olli’s experience stabilizes our young D.” I really liked this kid while he was here. I see a ton of potential if he stays healthy.
Artem Duda (D, 2022, 36th Overall): A 6-foot-2 skater, Duda overcame eligibility issues to post 29 points in the AHL. “He’s an elite skater… You don’t find many guys 6-feet-2 that can move like that,” Armstrong said. Duda may need another AHL season but could debut if injuries hit. Tourigny values his growth: “He’s getting better every day, and that’s what we want.”
Vadim Moroz (F, 2023, 88th Overall): I’m not 100% sure of the contract implications with the KHL for the upcoming season, but if we’re building a team of Russians, this 21-year-old Belarusian seems to fit the mold. Moroz scored 26 KHL goals and had 44 points in 66 games in 2024-25. His puck skills and two-way game could earn an AHL stint, with a chance for a call-up. “He’s really talented with the puck,” said Lee Stempniak, Utah’s player development director. Tourigny’s focus on versatility suits Moroz: “We need players who can play anywhere in the lineup.”
There are several other prospects, including my favorites, Cole Beaudion and Owen Allard, but I’m supposed to keep this brief and concise, just like a true journalist.
Friday mood 😁🙌 pic.twitter.com/A1wSdquvhe
— Utah Mammoth (@utahmammoth) June 13, 2025
The Future Is Bright
As the Mammoth prepare for their sophomore season, the 4th overall pick—whether Martone or a traded asset—signals their ambition.
With a robust prospect pipeline and a front office unafraid to take risks, Utah is on the cusp of contention. Armstrong’s mantra, “Leave no stone unturned,” and Tourigny’s passion for developing youth have laid a foundation for success.
As fans pack a newly updated Delta Center, the Mammoth’s tusks are up, ready to charge toward the Stanley Cup.
My Educated Guess
GM Bill Armstrong has told me many times that he is always looking for ways to improve the team. He has also put all the pieces in place to build an excellent team, allowing those pieces to mature and reach their full potential over time.
So, I will not be surprised to see Utah stay the course this off-season and use the draft pick to bring in another highly touted prospect that we can sign for less than a million per season.
I would also be surprised to see the Mammoth make a deal to move down in the draft and still acquire the player they want while also adding another key piece to the rebuild.
What are your thoughts, wants, and educated guesses about what the Mammoth will do this summer?