Utah Hockey Club’s Top Centre Out With Injury

Breaking Out

Utah head coach Andre Tourigny said Cooley was injured in Wednesday night’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He recorded a secondary assist on a Mikhail Sergachev power play goal. Despite the loss, Cooley battled through the injury and finished the game. Cooley’s been a revelation this season, especially on Utah’s top power play unit alongside Keller, Sergachev and Dylan Guenther.

Depending on when he returns, this will still be a career year for Cooley as he’s already one point away from tying last season’s point total of 44. Cooley already has 43 points in 50 games this season with 16 power play points, which is more than last year’s 13. Cooley’s also third on Utah in primary and secondary assists with 14 each. The former third overall pick is second only to Clayton Keller in shots on goal with 110 and has scored 15 goals. 

Playoff Ambitions

This will significantly impact Utah’s wild card hopes as the team is already missing Guenther, who’s considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Although Utah’s had a season filled with injuries, being just seven points out of the race is very impressive. However, without Utah’s top centre, things will be more difficult for the team and other forwards will need to pick up the scoring to fill the void. Centre Barrett Hayton played on the first line before being moved down to the second, so look for him to take Cooley’s spot during his absence. There is currently no timetable for the 20-year-old forward’s return.