Meet the Newest Canucks: Braeden Cootes
The 2025 NHL Draft on June 27th and 28th of this year brought several new players to the Canucks family. With hundreds of amazing young men waiting to be drafted, the Canucks landed six picks during this year’s draft. It’s no secret that the Canucks had a rough season in 2024-2025, so acquiring new young talent is a step in the right direction. Let’s take a look at the Canucks first pick, number 15 overall, Braeden Cootes’s skills, history, and possible place on the team.
This 18-year-old Alberta native stands just short of six feet tall and weighs 183 pounds. At just 18, this two-way center has been playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL since 2022, racking up a total of 99 points throughout his time. He even led the team as a captain during this last season. To add to his impressive resume, Cootes represented Canada at the World 18U Championship, leading Team Canada with 12 points. He also led the team by being named a captain for Team Canada. The Canucks have faced several issues among their offensive lineup in the past, including a lot of players spending time out dealing with injuries. Additionally, he is a middle-lane center who has no trouble working the puck on the ice. With the possible addition of Cootes, a young, talented, versatile player, the Canucks could have a much healthier, stronger, and more prepared roster.
On July 9th, 2025, the 15th overall draft pick signed an entry-level contract with the Canucks, becoming the fourth of his draft class to sign a contract with their respective teams. Cootes’ contract is a three-year, $2.9 million deal with the possibility of getting $500,000 in bonuses during each year of the contract. As the 2025-2026 season approaches and training camp draws near, keep an eye out for updates on the Canucks roster for the season. Cootes is sure to be an impressive addition to any roster; whether that be in Vancouver with the Canucks at the NHL level or in the AHL with the Abbotsford Canucks, he is sure to impress.
