UTHC Top Prospects Pt.1
Ranking the Utah Hockey Club's Prospects: 1-5
When Ryan Smith acquired an NHL team this off-season, he did not technically purchase the “Arizona Coyotes”. That franchise is deactivated. Smith instead bought himself a brand-new NHL club. It did come with the hockey personnel, however. From General Manager Bill Armstrong, all the way down to the lowliest 7th round draft pick. This is where Smith really got himself a bargain. The Coyotes had spent years stockpiling picks and drafting first-rate prospects. The Utah Hockey Club comes with one of the finest prospect pools in the entire NHL. In this three-part series, we will examine 15 of the top UTHC prospects. In this piece, we will start with the top-five. Enjoy this examination of the cream-of-the-crop and stay tuned for future installments. Without further ado…
#1 Tij Iginla
Position: Left Wing
Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Height: 6 foot
Weight: 191 Pounds
Age: 17 years
Draft: 6th overall, 2024
Player Statistics
Prospect Profile
Tij Iginla is an emerging hockey talent renowned for his lethal shot and intelligent positioning. His quick release, combined with exceptional power and accuracy, makes him a constant threat to score from any angle. Iginla’s ability to deke, roll off contact, and handle the puck smoothly allows him to create space for his deadly shot. He consistently finds himself in prime scoring positions, a testament to his advanced understanding of the game and his knack for being in the right place at the right time.
A strong skater with excellent edge work, Iginla’s agility and ability to change direction quickly make up for his lack of separation gear. He maneuvers around defenders with ease, maintaining control of the puck even under pressure. Despite his average size, he plays with relentless pace and aggression, winning battles along the boards and proving to be a formidable presence on the ice. His tenacity and ability to strip pucks in the neutral zone create offensive breakouts, showcasing his potential as a high-pressure player.
Iginla's advanced hockey IQ sets him apart, as he consistently positions himself well both offensively and defensively. His anticipation and smart decision-making make him a versatile and effective player. However, there are areas for growth. Physically, he needs to add muscle to better handle the demands of professional hockey, particularly in battles along the boards and in front of the net. Defensively, while he works hard on the backcheck, he can sometimes be caught out of position when trying to cheat for an offensive opportunity. Improving his consistency in the defensive zone will be crucial for his overall development.
At times, Iginla can overcomplicate plays and try to do too much with the puck. While his creativity and skill are assets, learning to simplify his game and make smarter decisions, especially against elite defenders, will be key to his success at the professional level. Compared to NHL winger Filip Forsberg, Iginla’s elite sniping ability, leadership qualities, and relentless play make him a highly promising prospect. Forsberg’s impact all over the ice is something Iginla aspires to emulate, though he’s more of a modern forward compared to his father, NHL legend Jarome Iginla.
This past season, Tij Iginla demonstrated his potential with 62 goals in 82 games, including regular season, WHL playoffs, and international play with Team Canada. He was a key contributor to Canada’s Gold Medal win, rising to meet the biggest moments rather than shrinking back. Iginla plays a pro-style game, winning board battles, protecting the puck, and scoring regularly from tight areas with his quick, efficient shot. These highly translatable skills suggest a high floor for this prospect, making him an exciting player to watch.
As one of the youngest players in the draft, not turning eighteen until August, Tij Iginla has already shown remarkable talent and resilience. He has thrived with an elite development franchise in the CHL and now finds himself drafted by the Utah Hockey Club, an organization that prioritizes the development of its prospects. While no prospect is a sure thing, the many advantages working in Iginla's favor—his skill set, hockey IQ, and supportive environment—greatly mitigate the risks. Utah fans should be thrilled with this selection. As a die-hard Utah Hockey Club fan, I am ecstatic that Tij Iginla was the franchise’s first-ever draft pick.
#2 Daniil But
Position: Left Wing (Right Shot)
Team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
Height: 6 foot 6.5 inches
Weight: 216 pounds
Age: 19 years
Draft: 12th overall, 2023
Player Statistics
Prospect Profile
Daniil But makes a tremendous impression on the ice, not just for his towering frame, but for his exceptional skill and creativity with the puck. He’s over six and a half feet tall but he plays the game with as much coordination and pace as a five-foot ten-inch water bug. He’s just really good with the puck, despite his large frame. He is a shockingly smooth player for his size, especially in transition. His catch and release is top-notch and he does not struggle to do anything at high speeds. He has great hands and can dangle, make precise passes, or get off powerful shots. His finishing skills are notable, with a hard, quick, accurate shot that often catches goalies by surprise. But is a consistent scoring threat from anywhere inside the offensive zone. His playmaking ability adds another layer to his game, making him equally capable of setting up plays and scoring.
Daniil But is particularly special because of his unique combination of size and skill. His ability to make crafty plays in tight spaces and use his large wingspan to maneuver around defenders is impressive. His ability to dance around defenders shouldn’t be legal at his size. He’s just dangerous with the puck in all situations. He has all the puck protection ability you would expect from such a hulking figure, but that’s not all he uses his size for, as he is also a punishing physical presence. He is not a predatory open ice hitter, but he never misses a chance to finish a check and he hits to hurt. He is not a friendly player out on the ice. He wants to make a maximum impact.
However, there are questions about how But will perform against more skilled and physically imposing defenders in professional leagues. Currently, he dominates with his physicality and skill, but maintaining this against faster, stronger defenders will be a challenge. Despite this, But’s aggressive play style and ability to thrive under pressure suggest he has the potential to succeed at higher levels. His playoff performances and games against tough opponents highlight his ability to rise to the occasion, indicating a bright future ahead.
#3 Dmitri Simashev
Position: Left Defense
Team: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
Height: 6 foot 5.5 inches
Weight: 205 pounds
Age: 19 years
Draft: 6th overall, 2023
Player Statistics
Prospect Profile
Many fans may be surprised that I have Simashev all the way down at #3. This is not a slight or a criticism of Simashev. I am a huge fan of this player. I have watched both “Dima” and But play dozens of times on YouTube streams and the KHL app. As impressive as Simashev is, I usually find myself more impressed with Daniil But. However, Simashev does play the more valuable position, and the margin between these two prospects, for me, is razor-thin. Honestly, there isn’t really any daylight between these two and Tij Iginla, either. It’s very, very close for me in the top three.
Dmitri Simashev stands out with his formidable size, strength, and elite skating ability. His skating is not just elite “for his size”, his skating is elite at any size. His straight-line speed is as good as it gets for a player this size. At any age, in any league. It’s truly special. It’s not just the north-south acceleration, either, as he’s got remarkable agility and his ability to change up pace, slowing down before turning on the jets, is really very special.
The story for Simashev is how he uses his frame, his reach, and his jaw-dropping mobility to dominate his opponents defensively. Simashev is so big, so mobile, and so rangy. He can reach out from anywhere and grab you. Once he hits the top of the circles and decides to step up, it’s like a lion pouncing on prey, he can gap up in a flash and get stick on puck out of nowhere. He is nearly flawless in shutting down zone entries and controlling the defensive zone. With a hockey IQ that is off the charts, Simashev uses elite spatial awareness to close gaps fast and force plays to the outside or to clear the front of the net. Simashev’s puck retrievals are excellent, and he always takes care of his corner.
Simashev’s game is anchored by this defensive reliability. His intelligence and physicality make him a daunting presence for attackers. As a defensive defenseman, he excels in maintaining close coverage, using his long reach to disrupt plays and create turnovers. Simashev's stickwork is exceptional, using his long reach to disrupt plays and create turnovers and consistently blocking passes and shots.
While primarily known for his defensive skills, Simashev has shown promising offensive capabilities. The little plays he makes by retrieving pucks and evading forecheckers keep offensive pressure alive and he creates offense through smart passes to initiate transitions out of the defensive zone. His shot from the blue line does lack the power and precision needed to be a consistent scoring threat. However, his ability to support the offense by joining rushes, making timely pinches, and keeping plays alive makes him a valuable facilitator if not a big-time offensive producer. His offensive game requires further refinement, especially his shot. Enhancing his shot could significantly elevate his overall impact on the ice.
Simashev’s game draws favorable comparisons to NHL players like K’Andre Miller. His combination of defensive excellence and the promise of offensive development mirrors the trajectory of Moritz Seider during his draft year. Projecting as a potential top-pairing NHL defenseman, Simashev’s defensive skills pair well with an offensively inclined partner, creating a balanced and formidable defensive pairing. With continued improvement, Simashev has the potential to become a cornerstone defenseman in the NHL, excelling in both defensive and offensive roles and contributing significantly to Utah’s future success.
#4 Josh Doan
Position: Right Wing
Team: Utah Hockey Club (NHL)
Height: 6 foot 1 inch
Weight: 189 pounds
Age: 22 years
Draft: 37th overall, 2021
Player Statistics
Prospect Profile
Josh Doan will always hold a special place in the hearts of Coyotes fans. While the Coyotes may be a deactivated franchise, those of us who grew up worshiping Shane Doan still have an active love for him and for everything he did for the Coyotes and our hockey community. This isn’t about Shane, though, it’s about Josh. The younger Doan is going to have to forge his own path, even if there are some eerie similarities.
After Shane Doan’s first season with the Winnipeg Jets, the team relocated to Phoenix and became the Coyotes. Now, it’s Josh’s turn to be a young player on a new team in a new market. Fortunately for Utah HC fans, the apple does not appear to have fallen far from the tree.
While Josh is now a large, powerful winger reminiscent of his father, that was not always the case. Josh was an undersized skill player growing up. His lack of size cost him opportunities and he was ultimately passed over in his first year of NHL Entry Draft eligibility. After an unbelievable growth spurt and a fantastic season for the Chicago Steel in the USHL, Josh rocketed up draft rankings and was ultimately drafted very early in the 2nd round by Arizona. Since that time, he has proven he was not a nepotism pick. This was not about legacy; this was about building the best team.
Growing up in Arizona and playing youth hockey in the Valley of the Sun, Josh may have daydreamed about being the first player ever to play for the Arizona State Sun Devils, the Tucson Roadrunners, and the Arizona Coyotes, but there certainly wasn’t anyone who expected it to actually happen. With Josh Doan, we must expect the unexpected. Not only did he complete the trifecta, but he did it on his terms, and playing his game.
Like his dad, Josh is a natural leader and a big winger who always gives a maximum amount of effort on the ice. Josh leads with his character and with his example on the ice. Just like Shane did. However, Josh has not yet shown that he is the physical force his father was and has not yet shown that same penchant for violence on the ice. His game is a bit quieter and reliant on not only his motor but also his Hockey IQ. He is a good 200ft player who is reliable defensively, a dual-threat on offense, and equally adept at setting up plays as he is at finishing them off. A force both on the forecheck and on the backcheck makes Doan the kind of player all coaches love. Head coach of the ASU Sun Devils Greg Powers certainly showed his confidence in the well-rounded nature of Josh’s game by not only naming him team captain but also playing him as a full-time center in the NCAA. Josh projects as a winger in the professional ranks but his time as center speaks to his all-around game.
There is still somewhat of a question as to where Doan will spend next season. He played 73 combined regular season games between the Coyotes and the Roadrunners last season, putting up 31 goals and 24 assists for 55 points (9 points in 11 games played in the NHL). Doan was the feel-good story in the dramatic late-season for the Coyotes and he made the most of his opportunity. All signs point to him being NHL-ready, but he was not so dominant in the AHL that we can totally rule out the possibility of him spending some additional time in Tucson. Regardless of where he plays next season, Doan is a huge part of the future for the Utah Hockey Club and will certainly be a leader and a workhorse that helps this team win games.
#5 Cole Beaudoin
Position: Center
Team: Barrie Colts (OHL)
Height: 6 foot 2 inches
Weight: 210 Pounds
Age: 18 years
Draft: 24th overall, 2024
Player Statistics
Prospect Profile
Among Utah’s newest prospects following the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, the club’s inaugural pick Tij Iginla has grabbed all the headlines. With a Hockey-Hall-of-Famer father, big-time goal-scoring ability, and an engaging personality, Iginla's spotlight was expected as Utah’s first-ever draft pick at 6th overall. However, General Manager Bill Armstrong also traded back up into the 1st round to secure another key player: Cole Beaudoin. Unlike Iginla, Beaudoin's addition was less heralded, fitting his play style and role perfectly. A meat-and-potatoes player, Beaudoin’s post-selection comments emphasized his work ethic and commitment to giving his all, whether in practice or games. Clean Hits even had the opportunity to interview Cole, and were just as impressed as the 30 teams who interviewed him at the combine.
Cole Beaudoin, like his father Eric Beaudoin, brings a blue-collar mentality to the rink every day. NHL Central Scouting describes Cole as a power forward who plays a reliable two-way game, consistently being one of the hardest-working players on the ice. His competitive nature in puck battles and good offensive instincts, combined with his physical attributes, make him a formidable presence. Standing at 6 foot 2 inches and 210 pounds of solid muscle, Beaudoin's relentless forechecking, defensive prowess, and leadership qualities were key factors in Utah trading up to select him 24th overall, a move that also prevented the Boston Bruins from drafting him with the next pick. General Manager Bill Armstrong believes Beaudoin’s work ethic and physical style will be pivotal in shaping the team’s culture and identity.
Beaudoin's blend of physicality, athleticism, and dedication is seen as a potential culture changer for the organization, aligning perfectly with Utah’s emphasis on a fast-paced, physical style of play. His exceptional work ethic and leadership on the ice earned him an alternate captain’s “A” with the OHL’s Barrie Colts at just seventeen years old. His strong two-way game and defensive awareness make him a reliable player on the penalty kill, enhancing his value as an all-around player. Despite concerns about his skating, Beaudoin's excellent positioning, hockey sense, and determination allow him to be effective. His modest and inconsistent offensive production, however, reflects the challenges of playing on a struggling team, and he will need to improve his offensive instincts and finishing ability as he transitions to higher levels of competition.
Beaudoin's heavy shot and physical play make him a strong presence on the ice, but his skating mechanics and release need refinement to consistently beat goaltenders at the NHL level. Despite these areas for improvement, his relentless work ethic and dedication to fitness suggest that he can refine these aspects of his game. Compared to Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Beaudoin’s high-motor, strong two-way play, and leadership qualities mirror Jenner’s career trajectory. With the potential to develop into a solid middle-six center, contributing significantly on both ends of the ice, Beaudoin is poised to be a reliable and impactful player for the Utah Hockey Club for years to come.
- Trent Hess
The 2nd and 3rd installments of our Prospect Pipeline Rankings will be released soon, so be on the lookout!
Be sure to follow the Clean Hits Twitter/X account at https://x.com/CleanHitsHockey for more Utah Hockey Club information and news and be sure to subscribe to our podcast on YouTube, Apple or Spotify.
Come join us in the Clean Hits Discord to continue the discussion and meet more Utah hockey-obsessed fans!
I'd be interested to know your expectations of how similar or dissimilar you'd expect Iginla's first 5 post draft years will compare to Max Domi's first 5 post draft years. I initially thought Domi would be a core leadership type player, but it seems he's settled in as a player who's more of temporary stopgap to fill a lineup spot but not likely to stay for more than 2-3 years before taking a similar role elsewhere. That would seem to be the floor of expectations for Iginla to turn out to be...but it seems most prospects usually end up closer to their floor than their ceiling.