U.S. NTDP forward Logan Cooley has apparently committed to the University of Minnesota. Cooley made no announcement via social media, but his verified Instagram profile was changed on Thursday and read “University of Minnesota commit”
Cooley was originally committed to Notre Dame. The 5-foot-10 Pittsburgh native is one of the top prospects for this summer’s NHL Draft. He has appeared in 41 combined games for the U.S. NTDP this season and has 20 goals and 36 assists for 56 points. Cooley was also a member of Team USA’s World Junior roster before the tournament was canceled in January (the tournament will now be played in August, according to reports).
Cooley played with the U.S. NTDP’s U17 team last season and also appeared in 19 games for the U18 team as a 16-year-old. Cooley won’t turn 18 years old until May, just a few weeks prior to the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.
Cooley was ranked No. 2 in Neutral Zone’s Top-300 2004 National Rankings which were published this past December. Cooley only trails Michigan commit Adam Fantilli. Neutral Zone scouts have Cooley pegged as a 4.75-star recruit and Neutral Zone NHL Draft scout Ian Moran has given Cooley an “A” grade for the upcoming draft.
“He can absolutely do it all,” said scouts. “Cooley shows all the offensive skills you want but it is his vision, awareness, and hockey IQ that sets him apart. He projects as an elite two-way centerman who can play in all situations and contribute goals and assists.”
