Simpson had his USHL rights traded to the Youngstown Phantoms from the Tri-City Storm on August 11, 2025. The Phantoms acquired Simpson, along with a 2026 Phase One seventh-round draft pick and future considerations, in exchange for forwards Brecken Smith and Luca Jarvis, 2026 Phase One fourth and sixth-round draft picks, future considerations, and the rights to Evan Wanner.

Simpson is slated to go to the University of North Dakota in the fall after his brief stint in the USHL following the conclusion of his high school season. He is so good at many offensive niches in the game, but none more than the hardest of all: Putting the puck in the net. Simpson, heading into the season seemed a much more dynamic player than he ended it. Creating a lot of space with his ability to split the defence and keep them on their heels with the threat of a pass or to take the puck himself. Towards the end, he became a premier trigger-man, finishing the high-school season with 49 goals. He moved onto the USHL where he did not progress as much as some had hoped, although he did look a lot more comfortable. Heading into the NCAA this fall, Simpson has a unique opportunity to try to re-establish some of that dynamism. Worst case scenario for Simpson is he is used primarily as a trigger-man. Not a bad “worst case.”

Selected 79th overall, Cooper Simpson is now a member of the Boston Bruins.

Simpson’s return to the USHL did not lead to the offensive development we hoped. While his scoring was solid, he did so in a less projectable way, falling into many of his High School habits. He had plenty of utility as a triggerman, but his handling, carrying, creativity, and playmaking didn’t shine. Committed to UND, we will see how his game translates to the college level.Luke Sweeney

Simpson dominated the prep ranks at Shakopee this winter as a pure goal scorer. With one goal in two games so far for Tri-City, his spring stint in the USHL could reveal a lot.Whittaker Heart

Simpson considered joining the Western Hockey League, where the Vancouver Giants hold his Canadian Hockey League (CHL) rights. However, Simpson opted to join the Phantoms for the 2025-26 season and play in the USHL before heading to the University of North Dakota for the 2026-27 season.