Utah Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong released a statement on Thursday to announce that 2025 first-round pick Caleb Desnoyers has undergone successful wrist surgery and will miss approximately 12 weeks of the 2025-26 season.
The Mammoth selected Desnoyers 4th overall in the 2025 NHL entry draft. He played most of last season with two injured wrists, which is crazy to consider when you see everything he accomplished as one of the youngest players in the QMJHL. Desnoyer, who only turned 18 in April, was able to register 35 goals and 49 assists for 84 points in 56 games. All while dealing with two injured wrists.
In an interview during the NHL combine, Desnoyers stated that pretty much everything you need your hands for in hockey was affected by the injured wrists but credited the Moncton Wildcats staff and therapist for monitoring the injuries and allowing him to keep playing. Mammoth GM Bill Armstrong told reporters at the NHL draft that his medical staff had already evaluated Desnoyers and knew their top selection would need surgery.
Future is Bright for Utah Mammoth Prospect
It’s unclear if Desnoyers needed surgery on both wrists or just one, but the good news is that his recent surgery was a successful one, and he can begin his road to full recovery. His estimated time frame is 12 weeks, which puts him returning to action around the middle of November. If he can remain healthy once he returns, he at least will have an opportunity to play the majority of the 2025-26 season.
Desnoyers won both the QMJHL championship and the playoff MVP award last season with 30 points in 19 playoff games. He is considered to be an elite two-way center. His NHL comparisons were listed as Patrice Bergeron and Jonathan Toews during the NHL draft. If that’s the case, then it’s easy to see why Desnoyers shot up the list to be considered the Mammoth’s top prospect.
The future is bright for the young Mammoth forward. He will be a key part of the Mammoth’s transition from a rebuilding team to a contending team. It might not happen this season, but with a young core of Desnoyers, JJ Peterka, Tij Iginla, Logan Cooley, and Dylan Guenther, it won’t be long before the Utah Mammoth start making a run for regular playoff contention.
