Mammoth's Playoff Push: Thomas Trade, Cooley's Return

0:00The latest scores, headlines and storylines. Right here on NHL News today, subscribe and stay game ready. The Utah mammoth are charging into the second half of their season after the Olympic break, with 22 games left to secure their first playoff. Spot-ever. Sitting at 31 wins, 25 losses and 4 ties, they're tied with the Edmonton Oilers for the Western Conference's first wildcard, holding the tiebreaker with more regulation wins, and a four-point edge over teams like the San Jose Sharks. Trade deadline bust centers on Robert Thomas from the St. Louis Blues, a 26-year-old center with 35 points and 43 games, elite passing, speed, and a Stanley Cup win under his belt. He signed through the 2031 season, and mammoth GM Bill Armstrong drafted him before. A deal might cost the top defenseman prospect like Maverick Lamarot, a first-round pick, and more, but fans debate if a rental fits their young core. Logan Cooley made a strong return

1:00from a two-month lower-body injury, assisting in his first game back and scoring in the next against the Minnesota. Wild. Before getting hurt, the young star had 23 points in 29 games. Paired with Dylan Gwynther's hot streak of 27 goals, Cooley could hit 40 points if he stays healthy. Nick Schmaltz is thriving with 55 points, nearing his career high, and shares killer chemistry with Clayton Keller, combining for nearly two. Hundred goals since 2018-19. At 5.85 million a year, he's due for a big raise on July 1st, but the mammoth have cap space. The rumors whirl if he'll test free. Agency or stay loyal. Recent play raises flags with a one-and-two record post-break, including a loss to the Chicago Black Hawks amid special teams' woes. Still, their easy schedule against bottom teams, like the Blues and Black Hawks, offers a path to clinch, potentially facing Vegas or Anaheim in round. One if they lock in their wild card spot.

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