With all the recent talk focused on James Hagens, it is easy to forget that Boston has other high-end forward prospects as well. Near the top of the Bruins’ prospect pool is forward Cooper Simpson (2025 3rd round, 79th overall) of Youngstown in the USHL. The Minnesota native had 74 points (34G 40A) in 61 regular season games in 2025-26. Not in the pre-season conversation as a legitimate prospect, Simpson now is widely considered one of Boston’s most promising forwards in their system. An explosive skater with elite play-making abilities in both small areas and open ice, Simpson will join forces with fellow Bruins’ forward prospect Will Zellers (Boston’s pre-season #5 prospect) at the University of North Dakota in 2026-27.
Along with Cole Reschny (Calgary’s pre-season #4 prospect ), that is a very good start in the Fighting Hawks’ bid to return to next season’s Frozen Four.