Uncertainty for Coyotes influenced prospect's return to college

Minnesota forward Logan Cooley Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Uncertainty surrounding Coyotes influenced first-round pick's return to college

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 5/20/23

Earlier this week, the Arizona Coyotes saw a vote for a new arena go up in smoke, and the uncertainty surrounding the franchise is beginning to have an impact.

2022 third-overall pick Logan Cooley recently revealed that he intends to return to college for the 2023-24 season. On Saturday, Cooley told Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports that he was leaning toward turning pro and vying for a spot with the Coyotes, but the failed arena vote "definitely" impacted his decision.

I followed up and Logan Cooley said the result of the Tempe vote definitely impacted his decision. He was leaning toward going pro had the vote gone in the Coyotes' favor but again, he noted that returning to Minnesota was still a good option.
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) May 20, 2023

"Both options are great, but I felt I had a little more left to do in college hockey," Cooley said. "I still feel like I have room to grow."

Cooley said he'll be more prepared to jump to the NHL after another year in college, but the timing is curious. The 19-year-old is coming off a remarkable campaign with the University of Minnesota, with many believing he's NHL-ready. A Hobey Baker Award finalist, Cooley recorded 22 goals and 38 assists for 60 points in 39 games for the Golden Gophers.

LOGAN
COOLEY
IS
HIM#Gophers defeat St. Cloud State in overtime!! #PrideOnIce pic.twitter.com/oTnodnpqws
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) January 8, 2023

On Tuesday, the Coyotes' new arena project suffered a major blow when a public vote failed, leaving the team's future in Arizona up in the air. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said he was "terribly disappointed" over the decision, adding that the league would review the available options for the Coyotes.

The Coyotes played the 2022-23 season at the 5,000-seat Mullett Arena, which they shared with Arizona State University. The team will likely stay put for at least another season, but whispers about a move are already beginning to surface.

Should the Coyotes move elsewhere, places like Quebec City and Houston are among some of the top potential destinations. If two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes has any say, the Coyotes might end up in Kansas City.

The NHL has done its best to keep the hockey dream alive in the desert since the Winnipeg Jets franchise moved to Phoenix in 1996. However, we might be seeing the beginning of the end of the road for the Coyotes in Arizona.

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