Cooper Simpson was a bit surprised as his phone rang in early August. The Shakopee, Minn. native was on the lake fishing with friends when he received the news — He had been traded.

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Simpson was dealt from quite literally opposite ends of the USHL, heading from Tri-City to Youngstown. The left-shot forward played 31 games for the Storm in 2023-24 and nine more last spring, along with two in the playoffs.

However, it’s a move that’s paid off, as Simpson currently ranks second in the USHL with 22 points (8-14-22). The Boston Bruins pick (2025, 3rd round) is coming off a four-point weekend (2-2-4) and currently owns a three-game goal streak and four-game point streak.

“I’m super happy to be part of this organization and I feel like I’ve fit in pretty good so far,” Simpson told FloHockey. “I remember when (head coach Ryan Ward) called me this summer he told me that they were really excited to have me and the type of role they envisioned me playing. I knew a couple people that had played here and said good things about it and how well they were treated too, and I think it’s all turned out pretty amazing so far.”

Simpson has now played 17 games for the Phantoms, who are coming off a pair of wins over Sioux Falls. Youngstown (11-5-1) currently sits third in the Eastern Conference with 23 points and is 7-3-0 over its last 10.

As for Simpson’s individual play, the North Dakota commit has put an emphasis on his 200-foot game and being more consistent, and he’s turning defense into offense.

“He competes really, really hard, and he’s playing really well away from the puck in all three zones,” Ward said. “He’s really good in the offensive zone at hunting and protecting the puck, and extending possessions, so that’s been really positive to see. And he uses his speed to make plays. Obviously he’s making an impact on the scoresheet and he’s scored some big goals for us, and to be honest with you, he could probably have five goals every night.”

Cooper got the call. pic.twitter.com/p6PtZpqzjU

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) June 28, 2025

Ward added that Simpson’s play-making ability is ‘exceptional’ and he’s ‘added some swagger’ to Youngstown’s lineup this fall. That play-making made Simpson a Minnesota Mr. Hockey Finalist last spring, as he racked up 83 points (49-34-83) at Shakopee High School last season.

His previous USHL experience was also a ‘big bonus’ coming into this season.

“Cooper’s a kid we watched and really liked, and he got tendered by Tri-City for a reason a couple years back,” Ward said. “Obviously you’re seeing these kids at select festivals, throughout their draft year and in high school, and you see how they perform at their best. And Cooper’s skill has always been there. So when the opportunity came up to acquire him this summer, he’s certainly someone we had interest in. He’s been awesome for us so far and he’s someone that makes his teammates around him better.”

Cooper Simpson (BOS) JUST. KEEPS. SCORING. 😎@YtownPhantoms | @USHL | @NHLBruins #ItStartsHere #OneTeamOneYOU #USHL #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/6zeQhVTq1t

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) November 8, 2025

Simpson is averaging over 17 minutes a night for the Phantoms, including time on both the penalty kill and power play. His 12 power-play points currently pace the USHL.

He’s also tried to take on more of a leadership role with his new club and wants to lead by example – something Ward praised him on. And while he hopes to continue contributing offensively, his biggest focus is on helping Youngstown win.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here and we’re a pretty close group, and we want to go on a run and win a Clark Cup,” Simpson said. “We’re taking it one game at a time and trying to get better every single day, and I just want to keep doing my part out there and help my team win.”

Simpson and the Phantoms play a pair of games in Fargo this weekend, starting at 7:05 p.m. on Friday and 6:05 p.m. on Saturday. Both times CDT and both games will be available here on FloHockey.

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