YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Youngstown Phantoms have acquired forward Cooper Simpson, a 2026 Phase I seventh-round draft pick, and future considerations from the Tri-City Storm in exchange for Brecken Smith, Luca Jarivs, affiliate player Evan Wanner, a 2026 Phase I fourth-round pick, a 2026 Phase I sixth-round pick, and future considerations.
 
Simpson, a 2007-born left-shot forward from Shakopee, Minnesota, joins the Phantoms after appearing in nine games for Tri-City last season, recording seven goals and one assist. He also starred for Shakopee High School, where he led the team in all major offensive categories with 49 goals and 34 assists over 31 games. Simpson ranks eighth all-time in goals scored in Minnesota High School Hockey history with 139, averaging over a goal-per-game during his four seasons with Shakopee. Simpson scored goals in 7 of the 9 games he played for Tri-City last season, including each of the last five. Simpson was selected by the Boston Bruins in the 3rd round of the 2025 NHL draft (79th pick) this summer and is committed to the University of North Dakota when his USHL career is over. 
 
"We are excited to bring Cooper to Youngstown as he is a natural goal scorer with a long history of producing at high offensive levels," Phantoms co-general manager Jason Deskins said. "He finished last season with Tri-City and was one of the most dangerous players in the league in that short stint. He brings offense off the rush and in the offensive zone, and will be a major contributor on the power play. He is a proven scorer and can change a game with one shot at any moment. We are confident that Cooper has the opportunity to be one of the best players in the USHL this season, and we cannot wait to see him in a Phantoms jersey here soon."
 
"I'm excited to join the Youngstown Phantoms and contribute to a winning culture," Simpson said. "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."
 
The Phantoms are set to return to Youngstown at the end of August for training camp ahead of the 2025–26 season. The team begins its campaign in mid-September at the USHL Fall Classic and opens its home slate Oct. 10 against Cedar Rapids.
 
Season and single-game tickets are available by calling the Phantoms box office at 330-747-PUCK (7825).

Simpson on USHL.com
Simpson on EliteProspects