[8] Despite his previous announcement of returning to Minnesota, Cooley signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Coyotes on July 27, 2023.
[9] Cooley impressed during the Coyotes 2023 training camp[2] and made the opening day roster, playing in his first NHL game, a 4–3 shootout win over the New Jersey Devils.
[10] Cooley scored his first NHL goal against Lukáš Dostál of the Anaheim Ducks in a 4–3 loss on November 1.
With his third-overall selection in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, he became the highest-drafted player to date from the Pittsburgh area, surpassing previous first-round picks J. T. Miller (15th overall) and R. J. Umberger (16th overall).
[14] Despite being a Pittsburgh native and getting his start in hockey through Sidney Crosby's Little Penguins program, Cooley has stated that he grew up a Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin fan.