Cooper Simpson (LW, L, 6’0″, 180, Shakopee HS, 02/05/2007, North Dakota)
Cooper Simpson is a dynamic offensive winger with legitimate NHL-caliber scoring tools and the ability to generate his own chances through skill and deceptive movement. His transition from Minnesota high school hockey to the USHL has been seamless from a production standpoint—scoring 7 goals in 9 USHL games—while his high school numbers (49G in 31 GP) reflect a dominant finisher. He owns an elite release and quick-strike mentality that makes him dangerous whenever the puck is on his stick. However, his play without the puck remains inconsistent, and his effectiveness tends to drop when he’s not driving the offense. Simpson is a high-ceiling prospect with NHL tools but needs development in puck management, shift-to-shift engagement, and defensive detail.
Why Simpson Should Be Drafted
- Elite Shooting and Finishing Ability
Simpson’s shot is a standout asset. He averaged 7 shot attempts and 4.1 shots on goal per game across all competitions, generating 2.8 scoring chances per game with a 16% conversion rate in the USHL. His ability to catch and release in stride, fire off the rush, or beat goaltenders clean from mid-range is among the best in this class. He’s a natural finisher with legitimate goal-scorer projection. - Dynamic Offensive Creation and Hands in Tight
Whether attacking in space or through traffic, Simpson displays poise and deception with the puck. His puck touches are efficient, and he’s capable of breaking down defenders 1-on-1 with slick hands and lateral edgework. He registered nearly 1 pre-shot pass per game, and while he’s primarily a shooter, he has shown the awareness and skill to distribute under pressure and extend plays with shoulder deception and quick-touch passing. - Smooth Transition to Junior and Physical Willingness
In a short USHL stint this season, Simpson produced at a near point-per-game pace while maintaining his offensive identity. His 45% puck battle win rate and 4.9 takeaways per game suggest he is engaged in pursuit. He also finishes his checks and doesn’t shy away from contact, a trait often lacking in high-skill wingers. He’s not just perimeter flash—he’ll go to the interior and stay involved after the initial touch.
Why Simpson Should Not Be Drafted (Yet)
- Off-Puck Game Lacks Consistency
Simpson’s compete level fluctuates when he’s not driving the puck. While he has shown flashes of responsible positioning and anticipation—especially during the Hlinka—but his defensive zone positioning and wall play require attention. He has a tendency to float high in defensive coverage or cheat for offense, which does not work in the NHL. - Can Be Too One-Dimensional at Times
His offensive game is heavily weighted toward shooting and individual creation. In events like the Hlinka, he struggled to adapt when the puck wasn’t running through him, posting just 1 goal in 5 games despite 21 shots. Without a complementary playmaker or structured offensive system, his impact fades. He will need to learn to adjust his game to be effective in a secondary or off-puck role. - Small Sample Size in USHL and Still Physically Developing
Although Simpson’s early USHL returns are strong, 9 games is a limited sample, and questions remain about how his game will translate over a full USHL season or at the NCAA level. At 6’0″, 180 lbs, he meets the size threshold for NCAA hockey, but he’ll need to continue building strength to sustain his style against older, heavier defenders in professional hockey.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection:
Top-nine NHL winger with second-line scoring upside if he can round out his game. Floor as a top-six AHL forward with power-play specialist potential. Boom-bust risk if offensive game doesn’t translate or if defensive shortcomings persist.
Draft Grade:
4th Round | High-upside offensive winger with NHL-caliber release, strong early USHL returns, and goal-scorer’s mentality. Development needed in off-puck play and shift-to-shift engagement.
Development Plan:
1 year in USHL—track shift-to-shift consistency, puck management, physical resistance while emphasizing off-puck awareness, especially in defensive zone, support and wall battles.
2 years NCAA — Strength program focused on lower-body power to support his pace and puck protection with continued emphasis on details mentioned above (consistency, off-puck awareness, engagement)
Verdict:
Simpson has tools you can’t teach—natural scoring instincts, a deceptive release, and composure with the puck. If the compete and play away from the puck catch up to his skill level, he projects as a dangerous goal-scoring winger at the NHL level. A worthy mid-round investment with long-term top-six upside.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images