[5] He made his BCHL debut on September 20 where he scored two goals in a 5–3 win over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
[9] He returned to college for his sophomore year but was forced to redshirting for the 2016–17 season before joining the Sacred Heart Pioneers men's ice hockey team.
[10] As a result of his play, Cotton was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award[10] and selected for the Second Team All-American.
[11] On March 24, 2020, Cotton concluded his collegiate career and was signed by the Carolina Hurricanes to an entry-level contract alongside his brother.
He registered 4 goals and 6 points through 17 games before opting to conclude his professional hockey career, and mutually terminating his contract with the Hurricanes on April 7, 2021.