What Happened
The Utah Mammoth announced after Thursday's morning skate that defenceman Artem Duda will make his NHL debut Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Duda, a second-round pick of the Arizona Coyotes in 2022 (36th overall), played the second half of the 2023-24 season with Toronto Metropolitan University after his appeal to play NCAA hockey at Maine was denied. He has been with AHL Tucson since leaving TMU.
Key Details
- Duda was selected 36th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in the 2022 NHL Draft.
- He played 14 KHL games before joining TMU.
- In 12 games with TMU, he recorded two goals and seven points.
- TMU lost in the Ontario final and finished fourth at the U Sports national championship.
- Duda has one goal and two assists in six AHL games with Tucson this season.
What It Means
Duda's path to the NHL is unusual, as he moved from the KHL to U Sports after his NCAA appeal was denied. He joins a small group of U Sports athletes to reach an NHL organization, a list that includes Stanley Cup-winning goaltender Logan Thompson. His debut gives Utah a look at a 20-year-old defenceman who has been developing with AHL Tucson.
What's Next
Duda is expected to make his debut Thursday night against Pittsburgh. His performance could determine whether he stays with the Mammoth or returns to AHL Tucson for further development.