The Arizona Coyotes may have lost more than just their bid for new arena this week. As Logan Cooley, an Arizona Coyotes draft pick selected third overall in the 2022 National Hockey League entry draft made a decision on his immediate future deciding to return to the University of Minnesota for his sophomore season.
Cooley, who played 39 games with the Golden Gophers potted 22 goals to go along with 38 assists and was a Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalist in his first year in Minnesota. The news of the Tempe vote most certainly came into question with Cooley's decision, however, if the team is not moved, they will still be playing at Mullet Arena for at least the next two or three years no matter what.
The news about Cooley's intentions couldn't have come at a worse time, but give him credit for being honest with the Coyotes about where his head is at, at this moment. Another year at Minnesota will not hurt his development and if the future of the Coyotes becomes clearer, he could always decide to play with the club next season.
No matter what, Cooley's future looks bright and when he decides to play in the National Hockey League, he should be an impact player immediately. Unfortunately, Coyotes fans will have to wait a little longer to see what he will bring to the franchise in the long-term.
