Utah Mammoth GM Prepares for NHL Draft with Key Insights

SALT LAKE CITY — With the 2025 NHL Draft approaching, Utah Mammoth General Manager Bill Armstrong met with the media to discuss the team’s strategy and the fourth overall pick.

Armstrong emphasized the importance of gathering information from scouts and conducting thorough evaluations of potential draftees. “It’s a process, you have to follow the process,” he said. He explained that the team looks closely at each player by meeting with them at the combine, reviewing their statistics, and even dining with their families.

The Mammoth’s fourth overall pick is significant, and Armstrong believes there is a strong talent pool available. “I think there’s a good talent range at that area where we’re picking,” he remarked, adding that the team conducts comprehensive assessments of players to avoid surprises once they arrive at training camp.

Armstrong also discussed the frequent negotiations among general managers during this time. “Every GM… are all jockeying around and saying can they move up? Can they move down?” he explained. “We talk with GMs daily about that and everybody’s got a price.”

When asked about the drafting strategy, he stated, “We take the best overall player” regardless of previous selections. Armstrong highlighted the merits of drafting top talent while reiterating a commitment to thorough background checks on players’ character and skills.

“The confidence… comes from the fact that we’ve been able to draft the Cooleys, and the Doans, and the Guenthers,” he said. Armstrong concluded that the knowledge gained from past drafts will guide future decisions and is essential for the team’s success. The anticipation for the NFL Draft, which begins Friday at 5 p.m. MDT, continues to grow as the Mammoth prepare for their most important picks in years.