Logan Cooley is turning pro after all.
The Arizona Coyotes signed the 2022 third overall pick to a three-year, entry-level contract on Thursday.
Cooley originally intended to return to Minnesota next season. He acknowledged in late May that the Coyotes' failed bid to build a new arena in Tempe factored into his initial decision to prolong his college career, per PHNX Sports' Craig Morgan.
The 19-year-old led Minnesota in 2022-23 with 22 goals - including six game-winners - and 60 points in 39 contests during his freshman campaign. Cooley was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, which honors the top player in men's college hockey.
"We are thrilled to sign Logan to an NHL contract," Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong said in a statement. "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."
The Golden Gophers' 2022-23 season ended in an upset after they dropped the championship game to Quinnipiac in overtime.
Cooley also dazzled at the 2023 World Junior Championship, leading Team USA with 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in seven games while capturing a bronze medal.
The Pennsylvania native is a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program.
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