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Braeden Cootes' Future with the Vancouver Canucks Has Officially Been Confirmed
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images.
An NHL insider has confirmed some big news on Monday regarding Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes, who the team selected in the first round back in June.
The Vancouver Canucks, along with the league's other 31 franchises, have had a very busy weekend finalizing their opening night rosters before submitting them to the NHL ahead of the 2 p.m. PT deadline.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin made the final cuts to his team's roster on Sunday, assigning defensive prospects Victor Mancini and Tom Willander to the American Hockey League, opening up the door for 2025 first round pick Braeden Cootes to begin the year in the NHL.
NHL insider shares big news regarding Vancouver Canucks 2025 first round pick Braeden Cootes
On Monday morning, National Hockey League insider John Shannon from 100% Canucks with Ferraro & Shannon shared on social media that he's been informed 2025 first rounder Braeden Cootes will be in the lineup on Thursday when Vancouver kicks off the seasonagainst the Calgary Flames.
"In Vancouver, I'm told Braeden Cootes will be in opening night lineup Thursday vs Calgary." Shannon said.
As soon as Cootes steps onto the ice for Thursday's contest against the Flames, he'll become the first 18-year-old since Petr Nedved in 1990 to suit up in a regular season game for the Vancouver Canucks.
"Interesting tidbit: If Cootes makes the team this year, he'll be the first 18-year-old to play a regular season game for the #Canucks since...
Petr Nedved in 1990 👀" Harsunder Singh Hunjan of Nucks Misconduct said.
Petr Nedved in 1990 👀" Harsunder Singh Hunjan of Nucks Misconduct said.
The Sherwood Park, Alberta native had an impressive training camp, so there shouldn't be too many surprised by the decision to keep him on the NHL roster, even if it happens to be just for a nine-game trial before returning to junior.
"I had the chance to talk to him during one of the drills today and he was just excited, as you'd expect. He also stood out today. He had a really good day. Getting on pucks and he's obviously smart and creative in some of the drills. So he's not just out here excited to be here, he's here to make an impression and he's done that through the first two days." Vancouver Canucks Assistant Coach Brett McLean said earlier in camp.
Puck drop for the Vancouver Canucks' first game of the 2025-26 season - and Braeden Cootes' NHL debut - is set for 7 p.m. PT on Thursday and can be viewed on Sportsnet Pacific.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 6 | 1097 ANSWERS Braeden Cootes' Future with the Vancouver Canucks Has Officially Been Confirmed Do you think Braeden Cootes will stick with the Vancouver Canucks for the entire 2025-26 season? | ||
| Yes | 356 | 32.5 % |
| No, he'll get 9 games, then go back to WHL | 741 | 67.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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