The Utah Mammoths have vaulted to the No. 5 spot in the 2026 NHL pipeline rankings, a testament to a prospect pool that blends elite skill with rugged physicality.
At the heart of that surge is Logan Cooley, the 2022 third‑overall draft pick whose elite skating, puck‑handling and hockey sense have already drawn comparisons to top‑line NHL centers.
Joining him is 2025 fourth‑overall selection Caleb Desnoyers, a center whose combination of offensive flair and defensive responsibility makes him a rare two‑way talent among his age group.
A Balanced Mix of Skill and Grit
The defensive core adds another layer of promise. Dmitri Simashev, the 2023 sixth‑overall pick, brings NHL‑ready skating and a knack for generating secondary offense from the blue line, while Tomas Lavoie, an 89th‑overall prospect, offers size and a reliable point shot that can stretch opposing defenses.
Offensive depth extends to Ethan Belchetz, the 2026 seventeenth‑overall pick, whose massive frame and strong hands complement the creative spark of Tij Iginla, the 2024 sixth‑overall center known for his one‑on‑one playmaking, and Vadim Moroz, an 88th‑overall winger whose shot and hockey sense suggest a smooth transition to the pro game.
Between the blue‑line stability provided by players like Maveric Lamoureux and the net‑minding reliability of Michael Hrabal, Utah’s rebuild is shaping a balanced roster that could translate into perennial playoff contention.
The Mammoths’ strategy hinges on pairing high‑skill forwards with defensemen who can both shut down opponents and contribute offensively, creating a system that is as adaptable as it is formidable.