Moncton Wildcats shine at NHL Development Camps
This summer, 3 Moncton Wildcats players were drafted in the 2025 NHL Selection Draft – earning their spots at this year’s NHL development camps.
Caleb Desnoyers | 1st round, 4th overall | Utah Mammoth
Julius Sumpf | 4th round, 98th overall | Chicago Blackhawks
Grayden Robertson-Palmer | 7th round, 204th overall | Detroit Red Wings
Eight more players & recent alumni from Moncton also received camp invites, bringing the total to 11 players – really showcasing what makes Moncton so great. Here’s a breakdown:
🔹 Caleb Desnoyers – Utah Mammoth
Joining the franchise 4th overall, Desnoyers was the 1st ever selection by the Utah Mammoth, and the highest ever NHL draft pick in Wildcats franchise history.
Bill Armstrong & Caleb Desnoyers | 06.29 Development Camp Media | Watch Video
🔹 Gabe Smith – Utah Mammoth
Drafted 103rd overall in 2024, Smith got an invite to Utah’s development camp for the 2nd year in a row. Known for his physical presence, Utah signed Smith to a three-year entry-level contract in May of 2025.
Gabe Smith | 06.29 Development Camp Media | Watch Video
🔹 Julius Sumpf – Chicago Blackhawks
Julius Sumpf, one of the leading scorers for the Wildcats, had spots at NHL camps in 2023 (Colarado) and 2024 (San Jose) but he made his debut as a drafted player at Chicago’s development camp after being selected 98th overall in the 2025 Draft. Sumpf has been loved by Moncton fans since he joined the team in 2023, and got the opportunity to showcase his talents on the pro stage this summer.
🔹 Rudy Guimond – Detroit Red Wings
Drafted in the 6th round in 2023 by the Red Wings, Guimond got a return invitation to Detroit for their 2025 development camp. Rudy gave Moncton fans a lot to be excited about, announcing that he’d be staying in the Q for his last year of junior eligibility, earning a spot on the Moncton roster for the 2025-2026 season.
Rudy Guimond Development Camp Day 3 | July 2, 2025 | Watch Video
🔹 Grayden Robertson-Palmer – Detroit Red Wings
Grayden Robertson-Palmer got drafted back to back in the QMJHL (Moncton, 6th round, 97th overall) and the NHL (Detroit, 7th round, 204th overall) in 2025 – earning his development camp debut this summer. Grayden said he’s excited to get to play for Gardiner MacDougall this year in Moncton.
Grayden Robertson-Palmer Development Camp Day 3 | July 2, 2025 | Watch Video
🔹 Eerik Wallenius – Ottawa Senators
Eerik Wallenius, drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the 5th round of the 2024 NHL Draft (136th overall), returned to Ottawa’s development camp this summer. Wallenius was selected as a 1st round pick by Moncton in the 2025 CHL import draft.
🔹 Alex Mercier – Ottawa Senators
Alex Mercier has been a fan favourite in Moncton since his rookie year in 2021. His talent earned him a free agent invitation to the Ottawa Senators’ development camp (the only free-agent camp attendee from Moncton this year!) – a true testament to his grit and work ethic.
🔹 Loke Johansson – Boston Bruins
Johansson returned to Boston’s development camp for the 2nd year in a row after being drafted in the 6th round in 2024. Loke was signed by the Bruins to a three-year entry-level contract in November 2024.
🔹 Etienne Morin – Calgary Flames
Returning to Calgary’s camp, Morin reinforced why he was a second-round pick in 2023 – signing an entry-level contract with Calgary in July of 2024. This year, Morin really set out to impress – tying an all-time record for most total goals by a defenseman in Moncton’s entire history as a franchise.
🔹 Juraj Pekarcik – St. Louis Blues
Pekarcik, a 3rd round pick for the Blues in 2023, got a return invitation to the St. Louis development camp this year. Juraj played a key offensive role with Moncton this season, and signed an entry-level contract with the Blues in May of 2025.
🔹 Dyllan Gill – Tampa Bay Lightning
Gill returned to Tampa’s camp after signing in 2024 and playing part of his 2024-2025 season with their AHL team, the Syracuse Crunch. Dyllan brought his experience at the pro level back to the Q this season, joining Moncton for his final year in junior hockey.
