Logan Cooley Suffers Knee Injury in Collision with Alexey Toropchenko

During a game on November 30, 2025, between the Utah Mammoth and the St. Louis Blues, Mammoth forward Logan Cooley sustained a lower-body injury following a knee-on-knee collision with Blues forward Alexey Toropchenko. The incident occurred early in the third period, with the Blues leading 1-0. Cooley, who had been performing well with 14 goals and 23 points in 26 games this season, was unable to put weight on his left leg as he was assisted off the ice.

Mammoth’s Cooley leaves game with apparent knee injuryMammoth’s Logan Cooley suffered scary injury after knee-to-knee collisionToropchenko ejected for knee-on-knee hit that injures Mammoth's CooleyCooley helped off ice after Toropchenko's kneeing major

The collision took place at the 6:17 mark of the third period, resulting in immediate disciplinary action against Toropchenko, who received a five-minute major penalty for kneeing and a game misconduct. Cooley had skated for 11:01 before the injury, recording two shots on goal. The Mammoth entered the game tied for the final wild-card position in the Western Conference, making Cooley's injury a significant concern for the team's playoff aspirations.

Mammoth’s Cooley leaves game with apparent knee injury

Logan Cooley, 21, was drafted third overall by the franchise, then located in Arizona, in the 2022 NHL Draft. He signed an eight-year, $80 million contract extension with the Mammoth in October 2025. Cooley has been a central figure in the Mammoth's offensive lineup, contributing significantly to their performance this season. In contrast, Alexey Toropchenko, who has recorded two points in 16 games this season, is known for his physical play, ranking 18th in the NHL for hits.

Reuters

Following the game, Mammoth head coach Andre Tourigny did not provide an update on Cooley's injury status. The team is awaiting further evaluations to determine the severity of the injury and the potential timeline for Cooley's return. The Mammoth's management is hopeful for positive news, given Cooley's importance to their offensive strategy.

Mammoth’s Logan Cooley suffered scary injury after knee-to-knee collision

The incident has drawn scrutiny regarding the physicality of play in the NHL, particularly concerning kneeing penalties. Critics argue that such dangerous plays could lead to more severe injuries and call for stricter enforcement of rules to protect players. The immediate ejection of Toropchenko indicates a recognition of the potential risks involved in such collisions.

Toropchenko ejected for knee-on-knee hit that injures Mammoth's Cooley

The Utah Mammoth are scheduled to face the San Jose Sharks on December 2, 2025. The team will likely need to adjust their strategy depending on Cooley's availability, which remains uncertain as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Western Conference playoff race.

Mammoth’s Logan Cooley suffered scary injury after knee-to-knee collision

• “Cooley was down on the ice for a minute after the play.” — Source

Mammoth’s Logan Cooley suffered scary injury after knee-to-knee collision

• “Toropchenko was given a five-minute major for kneeing and a game misconduct.” — Source

Cooley helped off ice after Toropchenko's kneeing major

• “Losing Cooley for an extended amount of time would be a big blow to Utah's offense.” — Source

Mammoth’s Logan Cooley suffered scary injury after knee-to-knee collision

• “There was no immediate update on the severity of the injury or a timeline for his return.” — Source

Toropchenko ejected for knee-on-knee hit that injures Mammoth's Cooley