Braeden Cootes Officially Departs the Vancouver Canucks After They Decide He's Not Ready for the NHL

After being drafted 15th overall in the 2025 NHL entry draft, Braden Coots surprised everyone by making the team out of camp after an impressive preseason.

Even though he made the opening night roster, it was not guaranteed that Coach would be staying long-term as he had a nine game window to prove that the NHL is where he belongs.

Even though he was active and played solid minutes, at his age the NHL is just out of his comfort zone and the Vancouver Canucks decided it is best to continuous development back in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Canucks head coach, Adam Foote commented on the team's decision to send the 18 year-old back to Junior's, stating that he he will be the go to guy, getting plenty of ice time in order to develop into the player, the organization knows he can be.

With how the first three games have gone for the Vancouver Canucks, it may be understandable to send him back down, but he was hardly the problem, if not anything, gave the fans something to cheer for.

It feels like it's a new year, but same old story for Elias Petterson, who has recorded just one assist in three games, but most egregiously, recording zero shots in net five-on-five.

At the end of the day, the team is relying on veteran stars like Pettersson to step up, while making sure young guns likes Cootes get the best opportunity to succeed.