The Arizona Coyotes have surprised the hockey world today, signing the third-overall pick in 2022 Logan Cooley to a three-year entry level contract.
Welcome to the Desert, Logan! 🌵
The Arizona Coyotes have signed forward Logan Cooley to a 3-year entry-level contract. #PackLove
Full details: https://t.co/PAGG2yz538 pic.twitter.com/hgINm8Dw9w
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 27, 2023
After an extremely successful freshman year with the University of Minnesota which saw him finish with 22 goals and 38 assists in 39 games, there was talk that Cooley would be heading back to college. But a cryptic tweet yesterday by the Coyotes’ account started led to rumors that Cooley would be turning pro.
It’s sunny with a chance of 92 today. Don't you love when it starts cooling down here?
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) July 26, 2023
The Coyotes have certainly improved this past offseason with some acquisitions, but Cooley is on another level. He will be a top candidate for the Calder going into the season, and he could boost the Desert Dogs’ offense in a way few players can.
It’s unclear where the Coyotes will slot Cooley in next season. He is likely to stay at center and could find some time with Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz, or the team may decide to give him time to adjust with Dylan Guenther on a lower line. Either way, the Coyotes have a monster of a prospect who immediately improves the team’s outlook moving forward.