SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - JANUARY 14: Logan Cooley #92 of the Utah Hockey Club celebrates a goal during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Delta Center on January 14, 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Amidst an unforgettable inaugural season for the Utah Hockey Club, the 2024-25 campaign has been an evolutionary year for 20-year-old Logan Cooley. With 43 points (15G, 28A) in 50 games, the young forward has demonstrated superstar potential ahead of a likely long-term contract extension this summer.
But prior to the calendar reaching July 1, is Utah even a place Cooley wants to be in the distant future?
According to No. 92, it is.
Before jumping into Cooley’s perspective on a future in Salt Lake City, let’s take a look at what makes the center so remarkably talented.
First of all, he plays with unreal speed which allows him to get out on the rush, attack quickly in transition and swiftly navigate the offensive zone.
LOGAN COOLEY IS FASTER THAN YOU! 🫵 pic.twitter.com/LeTggcbq9V
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) January 21, 2025
In addition to blazing speed on his skates, Cooley also processes the game at an extreme pace which he then utilizes to craft plays and set up his teammates.
Puck 👏 Don’t 👏 Lie 👏
The Captain extends the lead! pic.twitter.com/vb6jyphffd
— Utah Hockey Club (@utahhockeyclub) January 19, 2025
With so much speed, tempo and skill, Cooley’s game reminds defenseman Ian Cole of his former teammate Nathan MacKinnon, who is now a bona fide superstar, MVP and Stanley Cup Champion.
“The way Cools skates & the way he moves reminds me more of a Nathan MacKinnon, who I played with in Colorado,” Cole said.
“He’s a budding superstar in this league. He’s a guy that has all the talent, all the skill in the world…”
Ian Cole compares Logan Cooley to Nathan MacKinnon:
“The way Cools skates & the way he moves reminds me more of a Nathan MacKinnon, who I played with in Colorado.”
“He’s a budding superstar in this league. He’s a guy that has all the talent, all the skill in the world…” pic.twitter.com/hs0ngCcOsb
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 13, 2025
Whilst drawing comparisons to one of the most talented players in today’s game, Cooley has also recently drawn the attention of arguably the greatest to ever play, NHL legend Sidney Crosby.
“Obviously, he’s very noticeable now. He skates really well, brings the puck to the net. He’s pretty fearless taking it there,” Crosby said.
“He’s got great hands; he can shoot it. He’s the total package. He’s dangerous out there.”
Sidney Crosby on Logan Cooley:
“Obviously, he’s very noticeable now. He skates really well, brings the puck to the net. He’s pretty fearless taking it there.”
“He’s got great hands, he can shoot it. He’s the total package. He’s dangerous out there.”#UtahHC #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/HvWWEtHzT7
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) January 30, 2025
Before being sidelined with injury ahead of the Four Nations break, Cooley was on track to finish the season with 70 points, up a whopping 59 percent year over year.
So, does this soon to be superstar see himself playing for Utah for an extended period of time?
Yes, he does.
“For sure. I love it here. This is the most fun I’ve had playing hockey. I love living here.”
“This is the most comfortable I’ve felt playing hockey. It’s a special feeling putting that Utah jersey on and going out there.”
Logan Cooley on if he wants to be in Utah long-term:
“For sure. I love it here. This is the most fun I’ve had playing hockey. I love living here.”
“This is the most comfortable I’ve felt playing hockey. It’s a special feeling putting that Utah jersey on & going out there.” pic.twitter.com/h4IGSPF7V9
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) February 13, 2025
To hear this from a rising star in Utah is certainly a welcomed change of pace for fans.
Not only has Cooley been fully embraced by the community seemingly overnight, but he’s fully embraced his new home and is proud to represent Utah across his chest.
Looking ahead to the offseason, the front office needs to sign Cooley to as many years as possible.
As such a talented young player with clear superstar potential and a desire to remain in Utah, extending Cooley long-term should be priority one come July 1.
The Utah Hockey Club will now have 12 days off for the Four Nations Tournament before returning to play against the LA Kings on February 22. The game can be viewed on SEG+. Fans can also tune in on air on the KSL Sports APP or on 97.5 and 1280 The Zone. Click here for the full schedule.
