The Utah Hockey Club continue to impress and surprise during their inaugural season. Currently boasting an 18-18-4 record, they sit six points out of a wild card spot with plenty of regular season left.

The Montreal Canadiens celebrate together on the ice after scoring a goal during an NHL game between the Utah Hockey Club and the Montreal Canadiens at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

He won’t do much to aid a bottom-10 offense, but his return will eventually allow for easier matchups for overmatched role players.

Finding success at home has turned into a persistent struggle for the Utah Hockey Club. Utah beat San Jose for its lone win in the first four games of a January home stand and has lost to Florida, Montreal and the New York Islanders.

Heading into a Thursday night matchup, the New York Rangers are in a similar boat as the Utah Hockey Club: on the outside of the playoffs, looking in, hoping there’s still a chance for them. Both teams have 43 points.