(Photo Credit: Connor Nee/Black N’ Gold Productions)

By: Eamonn McLean | Follow me on Twitter/X @EamonnMcLean44

Cooper Simpson is on the move. The Boston Bruins’ third-round pick in this summer’s National Hockey League Entry Draft had his USHL rights traded today to the Youngstown Phantoms from the Tri-City Storm. The Phantoms acquired Simpson, along with a 2026 Phase One seventh-round draft pick, in exchange for forwards Brecken Smith and Luca Jarvis, 2026 Phase One fourth and sixth-round draft picks, and the rights to Evan Wanner.

Simpson commanded a haul from the Phantoms and for good reason. In nine games with the Storm last season, Simpson scored seven goals. A native of Shakopee, Minnesota, Simpson also suited up for his hometown school last year, producing 83 points in 31 games in Minnesota High School Hockey. Simpson also competed at the Hlinka-Gretzky tournament with Team USA.

After spending this upcoming season with the Phantoms, Simpson will attend the University of North Dakota. Fellow Bruins prospect Will Zellers will be a freshman for the Fighting Hawks this year. Simpson will hope to follow in Zellers’ footsteps, a fellow Minnesota native who won the USHL’s Player of the Year award before heading to Grand Forks.

There was some discussion that Simpson might have considered going to the Western Hockey League, where the Vancouver Giants possess his CHL rights. However, Simpson will join the Phantoms this fall. “I’m excited to join the Youngstown Phantoms and contribute to a winning culture.”, said Simpson. “This is a great organization with a strong tradition of developing players, and I’m ready to bring my energy, compete hard every night, and help the team chase a championship”.