Coyotes Lose Services Of No. 3 Overall Pick Due To Arena Vote

There are a number of off-ice tensions in the desert these days following the Tempe vote that leaves the Arizona Coyotes homeless after next season. But now it's having a direct impact on the on-ice product for 2023-24, as No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft, Logan Cooley, has decided not to turn pro as a direct result of the uncertainty.

He has decided to return to the Minnesota Golden Gophers for one more year to go after an NCAA title next season.

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

Coyotes beat writer Craig Morgan reports that Cooley said he "was leaning toward going pro had the (arena) vote gone in the Coyotes' favor."

But Cooley also added that returning to the Golden Gophers for next season was aa good option for him as well. "We wanted one last go at it," he said.

In addition, Cooley checked in with the 'Yotes top player before making his final decision.

Logan Cooley said he talked with Clayton Keller before deciding, and Coyotes star told him "no rush." Asked about Arizona situation, he said he's not worried, believes ownership will figure it out. "Whether it's Arizona or whether it's Houston... they're all great spots to play."

— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) May 20, 2023

He talked with Clayton Keller, who told the promising young center, "no rush." Cooley then added that he's not worried about what the team might be calling home by the time he comes to the NHL. "Whether it's Arizona or whether it's Houston... they're all great spots to play."

Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports