Cooley signs with Coyotes, won't go back to University of Minnesota

Logan Cooley signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday.

The 19-year-old forward, who was selected No. 3 by the Coyotes in 2022 NHL Draft, had previously announced he would return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season.

"Something I had been thinking about all summer was just trying to figure out what the best fit was," Cooley said. "There were a ton of different factors. There wasn't a specific point where I was leaning one way or another. I kind of just took the pros and cons of both and ended up thinking going to the Coyotes was the best fit for me right now."

Cooley said he got advice from his agents and his family, as well as Coyotes forward Clayton Keller.

"There were definitely a lot of people I leaned on for support," he said. "There was a lot of discussion on what to do. There was a lot of talks over the summer. Took a while to see what the best fit was and going to the Coyotes was the best fit."

As a freshman at Minnesota last season, Cooley tied for the NCAA lead with 38 assists, and his 60 points were second behind University of Michigan freshman Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes (65). His 1.54 points per game were third behind Fantilli (1.81) and Harvard University forward Sean Farrell (1.56).

Cooley also helped the United States finish third at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, finishing with 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in seven games, second to Canada forward Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes (23 points; nine goals, 14 assists). Bedard was selected No. 1 in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks.

"We are thrilled to sign Logan to an NHL contract," Arizona general manager Bill Armstrong said. "Logan is an incredibly skilled player who had an excellent season with the Golden Gophers last year. He has established himself as one of the top prospects in the world. He is a very important player for us, and he has an extremely bright future ahead. We look forward to watching him play for the Coyotes for many years to come."

Cooley will join a team that this offseason signed free agent forwards Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes, Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes and Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes and defenseman Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes, and acquired 24-year-old defenseman Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings. The Coyotes also project to have forwards Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes, 23, and Video: Logan Cooley agrees to a three-year deal with Coyotes, 22, in their top six. Maccelli signed a two-year contract July 17.

Cooley said the offseason additions helped in his decision-making process.

"You want to compete every day, you want to hopefully one day win the Stanley Cup," he said. "Adding those players was a step in the right direction. It's hard to pass up playing in the NHL, knowing how exciting it is to be a Coyote. It definitely played a factor and I'm happy to chip in a little bit here."

Cooley impressed during development camp in early July, and since then the Pittsburgh native has been skating with two other NHL forwards from his home area: Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers and J.T. Miller of the Vancouver Canucks. Cooley feels he's gotten stronger and more prepared for what he'll face in the NHL.

"[Cooley] is one of our best players," Armstrong told NHL.com on July 20. "He had some star quality moments in (development) camp for us like he had in Minnesota. He's got a game that's unique in the sense of his compete [level], his high energy and high skill. I have a feeling in my heart that he's ready to play in the National Hockey League."

Photo: Isaac Torres