Utah Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers likely to have debut pushed back to November due to injury
Caleb Desnoyers, the Utah Mammoth's fourth overall pick in this year's draft, will be sidelined for roughly 12 weeks following successful wrist surgery, the team announced Thursday.
The setback will force him to miss training camp and delay his anticipated debut until early November, raising uncertainty over whether he'll start the season in the NHL or return to junior hockey.
Injury recovery could delay Utah Mammoth prospect Caleb Desnoyers'
NHL debut
until November
The 18-year-old center, who emerged as one of the most decorated players in the QMJHL last season, underwent wrist surgery after nearly a year of playing through pain. Desnoyers had initially hoped to rehab the injury without an operation, but recent developments prompted a different approach.
Without the opportunity to showcase himself in training camp, his chances of making Utah's NHL roster immediately are slim, making a return to the Moncton Wildcats the more probable path.
Desnoyers' injury dates back to last November, when he began dealing with issues in both wrists. He skipped pre-draft combine testing due to the lingering problems, and although early scans suggested surgery wouldn't be necessary, further evaluations changed that outlook.
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If his recovery stays on track, he's expected to be back in action by early November, still in time to play most of the season.
Standout QMJHL career and long-term NHL future with the Utah Mammoth
Standing at 6-foot-2, Desnoyers combines size with a cerebral playing style, traits that made him a top prospect for the Mammoth. In the 2024-25 season with Moncton, he racked up 84 points and a +51 rating in 56 games, earning titles such as Best Professional Prospect, Personality of the Year, and a spot on the QMJHL First All-Star Team.
His playoff performance was equally impressive, leading all skaters with 21 assists and claiming MVP honors as Moncton captured the league championship.
Desnoyers is the highest-drafted QMJHL player since Alexis Lafrenière went first overall in 2020. While this injury may slow his NHL arrival, Utah's front office is optimistic he'll play a central role in their long-term plans. The team envisions him as a full-time NHL contributor by the 2026-27 season, bolstering a young center core led by Logan Cooley.
Although Caleb Desnoyers' injury will keep him out of Utah's immediate plans, his strong junior résumé and long-term potential remain intact. The Mammoth are likely to take a patient approach, ensuring their prized prospect is fully healthy before stepping onto NHL ice.
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