The second-most productive under-19 skater in college hockey on a points-per-game basis this year to only Adam Fantilli, Cooley is a one-and-done candidate who has a real chance to become the top player out of the 2022 draft class.
He’s a beautiful, flowing skater capable of beating defenders off the mark, circling the zone to get defenders watching him with the puck, and manipulating them with his footwork and maneuverability in tight spaces. He’s got an uncanny ability to side-step and hop around oncoming players at speed. He’s got a great sixth sense for timing and spacing around the offensive zone which frees him to accept passes or jumps him onto rebounds. He regularly flashes skill to the inside, slicing to the middle and pulling pucks through or around defenders. He’s also a Swiss Army knife player who combines NHL speed and skill with a working attitude to push the pace, make plays, win races, stay involved and get onto the ice in all situations.
I love his tempo and feel for the game out there. His touch with the puck and hands both get high grades. His skating (particularly his change of pace) and energy level are both differentiators, and those things make for a pretty compelling package.
The transition game into the offensive zone. The cleverness and inventiveness. The dexterity. The escapability. The vision off the wall. He can play interior or exterior and protects the puck from sticks as well as any prospect on this list. He’s incredibly crafty in control. He can stickhandle in a phone booth. He creates problems for defensemen attacking on angles and shifting at speed. He also has a scrappiness and effort level to his game that keeps him in the fight (you won’t find a scout who doesn’t like him because of that). There are times when he can force it just trying to will a play into existence, but that’s really the only nitpick with his game. His combination of drive, skill and skating makes him a tough mark and should make him an impactful playmaker in the NHL.
"too much"...what the hell man, it should be a zero tolerance. NONE of that crap or you're banned, this is a hockey website...just sayin!
Edit: beer is ok though, as it's part of the sports culture. - LeftCoaster
My inbox gets blown up by sad posters when they can't make a simple comment so I'm tired of of having a blown up inbox. "Innocent" comments are allowed.
My inbox gets blown up by sad posters when they can't make a simple comment so I'm tired of of having a blown up inbox. "Innocent" comments are allowed. - Aaron_85
One "innocent" political or vax comment leads to a full-blown argument/debate. It shouldn't be tolerated at all.
This post seems to be a little political for my tastes as it is seemingly begging for censorship, which is a very politically charged issue at the moment due to the government being caught censoring experts.
I'm shocked that Martin got through waivers, he's so good for the tank. - Pres.cup
I should be fishing in this weather, instead of reading this crap, I hope that's not to political. - A_SteamingLombardi
The big lake at the end of my road has been a gold mine this winter. Known to have the best tasting trout in the region which average about 5-6 pounds and up to 14 pounds, but is also known to be very low production so always low fishing pressure. Well it's been fantastic this winter and a great source of food. Filled the smoker and been going through the recipes once or twice a week for the bright slabs of fresh meat we are getting. Have caught lots of fish in that 8 pound range and have lost some really big ones which nearly took all the line of those little ice fishing set ups everyone uses.
