There are two sides to the NHL Trade Deadline: the business side and the personal side. Arizona Coyotes forward Logan Cooley got to experience his first ever trade deadline and it wasn’t an easy one for him. Cooley’s good friend and mentor Jason Zucker was traded to the Nashville Predators on Friday. The 19-year-old opened up about his relationship with Zucker and the emotions he felt after the trade. cools “Zucker has helped me so much just starting my career,” Cooley said. “Ever since I first got here he’s been a huge help for me. He’s definitely going to be one of my best friends for life here. It’s nice to have the chance to be on his team and I wish him nothing but the best. Despite not being on the same team any more, Cooley still plans to see Zucker long into the future. “I’m sure I’ll see him around in the summertime and we’ll have some good times,” Cooley said. “It’s tough to see three guys who were unbelievable guys, great players. Like you said it’s always tough to see a guy go.” Being around the team it was clear how close Cooley and Zucker really were. Oftentimes Zucker would stay on the ice with Cooley to give him advice and help grow his game. Zucker made it his responsibility to take Cooley under his wing and has helped the young forward develop and grow confidence throughout the season. It really shows the type of character Zucker has to be able to mentor younger players in the NHL and also a testament to Cooley’s willingness to learn from experienced veterans. Zucker and Cooley’s friendship seems to go far beyond hockey and hopefully will last long into the future.
