What Happened
The Utah Mammoth announced roster reductions, assigning first-round draft picks Tij Iginla and Caleb Desnoyers to the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League. Iginla, the sixth overall pick in 2024, and Desnoyers, selected fourth overall last year, both competed for Canada at the recent world junior championship. Desnoyers became eligible for the AHL under a new agreement permitting 19-year-old first-round CHL draft picks to play in the minor leagues. Additionally, the organization reassigned goaltender Michael Hrabal alongside forwards Yegor Borikov and Gabe Smith to the AHL affiliate's camp.
Key Details
- Tij Iginla was drafted sixth overall in 2024.
- Caleb Desnoyers was selected fourth overall.
- Michael Hrabal was named Hockey East player of the year at UMass last season.
- Reassignments were officially announced by the Utah Mammoth.
What It Means
The assignment allows the young prospects to adjust to professional hockey in the American Hockey League. Desnoyers benefits directly from a revised policy enabling 19-year-old CHL first-round picks to bypass junior leagues for the AHL.