As the debate for and against Shane Wright continues, the next best option seems to have far too many Habs fans confused. The next best option for the Habs remains a centreman in Logan Cooley. Cooley is committed to playing in the NCAA next season, so drafting him would end the debate of inserting the first-overall selection into the roster right away but Cooley remains the highest skilled player in this year’s draft despite the knock on his size and would absolutely not be a safe choice by the organization at this position (the safe choice remains Wright).
C
Shoots: L
DOB: May 4, 2004
Height: 5’10″
Weight: 174 lbs
Draft Prospects: 2
CSB (NA): 2
Elite Prospects: 3
McKeen’s Hockey: 4
Hockey Prospectus: 2
Future Considerations: 2
The Hockey News: 3
Sportsnet: 2
TSN (Button): 2
TSN (McKenzie): 2
The Athletic (Pronman): 3
One thing that seems to be the consensus is that Cooley is the most dynamic player in this draft. That buzz that goes around the Bell Centre when Cole Caufield touches the puck? That’s what you can expect on a regular basis with Cooley. His ability to make plays at high speed is why so many are convinced that he will be a top-six option up the middle even when moving up to the NHL. His perceived lack of size is also said to be a non-factor as he doesn’t shy away from the physical areas on the ice, notably the front of the opposition net. In addition to this speed and skill, Cooley is said to be quite intelligent and therefore helpful on the defensive side of the ice as well. Projections place Cooley as a top-line forward, low-end first-line if he remains a center at the next level.
Cooley has been the USNTDP leader for two years now and has regularly played for the national team in prominent roles, despite being an under-aged player in these tournaments. He was on the second line of the World Junior team at 17 with power play time after being a top forward for the Under-18 team as a 16-year-old. His commitment to the NCAA might make him a pick that isn’t as highly regarded by an impatient fan base, but the raw skill and ability to create plays might just be worth the wait.
As previously stated, Cooley is committed to the NCAA. This means that he remains a year away from making his NHL debut. This might not be a bad thing as he can make Habs fans salivate all season long while the Habs embark on a campaign likely to compete for the services of Connor Bedard which would then allow Cooley the chance to enter the NHL while sharing the bright projectors of Montreal with another top selection. Given the strengths and weaknesses of the player, I think he jumps directly from NCAA to NHL in a year’s time because he won’t fit in with the added physicality offered in the AHL.
