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. The Rangers are five points out of an NHL playoff spot, while Utah HC needs six more.

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.

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

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.