Caleb Desnoyers Eager for Pro Career Start in Tucson

Caleb Desnoyers sees his arrival in southern Arizona after his Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) season as a natural step. The new collective bargaining agreement allows NHL teams to carry one 19-year-old Canadian Hockey League (CHL) player with their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate.

Desnoyers, who played at an elite level with the Moncton Wildcats, faces a different challenge in the professional ranks. A strong training camp led the Utah Mammoth to assign him to the Tucson Roadrunners for his first pro season in the AHL. He's already making his presence felt in Tucson.

The AHL Presents a Significant Challenge

Progression takes time. The Mammoth's decisions are deliberate. Despite a remarkable 78 points in 45 games with the Wildcats, the AHL offers a new test for Desnoyers. It's more physical, demands greater skill, and is tougher than the CHL, with every player striving for advancement.

This is all part of preparing for the next level. Seventeen players on the Mammoth's main roster have spent time in the AHL. This includes Dmitri Simashev and Daniil But, who showed considerable improvement each time they were called up from the Roadrunners. Mammoth management has a clear plan for Desnoyers, detailing areas for his development.

"Just work on playing with pace," Desnoyers stated. "It's a different adjustment, but I'm sure they'll have a good plan, and I'll work hard to get back there."

The transition to Tucson has been smooth for the forward. Desnoyers has been familiar with most of the Roadrunners players since rookie camp and the start of NHL camp. He has played alongside Gabe Smith for an extended period. He and Tomas Lavoie have quickly formed a strong bond through their shared French heritage.

The Roadrunners' robust locker room culture, built and maintained through the return of Austin Poganski and Kevin Rooney, greatly aids Desnoyers' integration.

"We have good veterans and a great group of leaders, along with some talented young guys too," Desnoyers commented. "It's been pretty easy so far. It's been really good."

Making an Immediate Impact

Even before his first official professional game, Desnoyers has gained favor with Roadrunners fans. His fourth overall selection by the Mammoth in 2025 contributes to this, but he already has an unofficial goal as a Roadrunner, scored in the team's second preseason game against the Texas Stars.

However, it wasn't the goal itself that most impressed head coach Steve Potvin, but rather Desnoyers' immediate commitment to a team he had joined less than a week prior.

"The thing that stood out the most for Desi was how supportive he was for the win at the end of the game," Desnoyers said. "He’s celebrating with the guys, and he wasn’t one of the guys that was out on the ice. He’s wishing the guys the best, and he’s cheering them on from the bench. I’m not saying that we don’t want him on the ice competing, but it’s nice to see a young guy understand the value of being a good teammate."

This is already evident in Desnoyers. He is vocal during games and practices, quickly becoming an integral part of the team with his easygoing demeanor.

His skill, which has propelled him this far, is also undeniable. His speed and stickhandling are exceptional, marking him as one of the most promising players to come through the Tucson organization.

Potvin has begun working on building chemistry between Desnoyers and Tij Iginla, the Mammoth's sixth overall pick in 2024. The pair have skated together on the power play and during five-on-five shifts. While only Desnoyers scored on the power play, assisted by Poganski and Joshua Roy, increased ice time together will enhance their synergy.

"We're trying to create chemistry," Desnoyers explained. "We never really played together before, but he's a great hockey player. Has a great shot, so I use my playmaking to set him up."

It is clear that despite his aspirations for the NHL, Desnoyers values the Roadrunners and the team's success. A rookie with his talent could have easily approached the AHL with indifference, but early indications suggest Desnoyers is not that kind of individual.

"He's a competitive person," Potvin observed. "He wants to win. He's smart. His hockey IQ is elite, and he wants to be involved in every situation, and I think he understands every situation."

A Promising Season Ahead

Regarding his adjustment to Tucson, Desnoyers' initial comment reflects that of many who have joined the team: the weather is vastly different from Canada.

Beyond practices and preseason games, Desnoyers has had opportunities to explore his new city. He and a few teammates visited the University of Arizona campus.

"I got here at night two days ago," Desnoyers said. "We just had the practices. We went to see the campus a little bit, just having fun. The weather's different than Montreal right now, so it's great."

Like many newcomers, the forward is currently staying in a hotel. However, Desnoyers has received his housing confirmation and plans to find a place to live this week.

With a significant number of younger players his age on the team, Desnoyers is sure to have a close-knit group of support. This is particularly noteworthy as the forward did not experience a college life like many his age. Being in a college town with a tightly connected team could make his first professional season a memorable one.

"It's fun," Desnoyers remarked. "I'm getting along really well with them. They're great people too, so it's really fun."

After years of anticipation, Saturday will mark Desnoyers' professional debut. The forward is eager to play hockey again and officially join the Mammoth's organization. He is enthusiastic about doing so with a locker room full of players and staff dedicated to improvement and winning, in a city that might hold a special place in his heart one day.

"It's hot outside, but it's just great to be in Tucson," Desnoyers said. "It's a great group of guys, great coaching staff, and a great city."